The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
MDCH Recognizes June 27 As National HIV Test Day
June 27, 2006
June 27, 2006
In an effort to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is recognizing June 27 as National HIV Test Day.
"This year marks the 25th anniversary of HIV/AIDS," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "Early detection of HIV is vital in our fight against the spread of AIDS. Testing is anonymous, confidential, and offered throughout Michigan."
The national public awareness campaign is designed to educate the public about HIV counseling, testing and referral, and to encourage more people to assess their risk of HIV infection. This year's National Test Day theme, “Take the Test, Take Control – Take pride in your life, get tested,” has been chosen to motivate individuals to be tested and by learning their test results, if positive, get treatment, and if negative, assess their risk and change behaviors that put them at risk.
For the estimated quarter of a million Americans who are infected with HIV but don’t know it, knowing their status could save their lives. In MDCH funded testing sites throughout Michigan, more than 71,000 people are tested for HIV every year, and approximately 500 of those tests are positive for HIV.
Traditional HIV testing involves drawing blood though a new oral method, a swab of the inside of your mouth, is used and is quick, accurate, and painless. Options also exist for rapid HIV tests at some MDCH testing sites in southeastern Detroit. Testing is widely offered throughout Michigan.
National HIV Test Day is one day a year when local health departments and community-based organizations work in collaboration to provide HIV testing opportunities for at-risk populations. These opportunities are provided through mobile clinics, outreach at bars, parks and churches and community-wide events.
For a testing site in your area, please call 1-800-872-AIDS or visit www.aidspartnership.org. You can also contact your county’s local health department by going to www.michigan.gov/mdch and clicking on the Local Health Department Map to the right under Quick Links.