It's National HIV Testing Day

There's about 200,000 Americans right now that don't know they're HIV-positive. Are you one of them?

Today is National HIV Testing Day and it's an important reminder to always know your status. HIV testing and prevention is something we should think about every day, but today is a good time to stop and think when the last time you were tested was and make sure you know where you stand. It's encouraging to learn that a record number of HIV+ people know their status, more than 1.1 million in the U.S. Now the Centers for Disease Control is working to make sure it's easier than ever to make quick and reliable testing available wherever you are, like your local pharmacy.

"Expanding testing access beyond traditional venues will increase the number of people who know their HIV status and help people with HIV get the medical treatment and care they need to live longer and healthier lives. If HIV testing were readily available at all pharmacies throughout our nation, millions of Americans who enter these stores and clinics every week would have ready access to testing services that not only can save their lives, but also help prevent further spread of the virus.

Currently, one third of people with HIV are diagnosed so long after they acquire their infection that they develop AIDS within one year. These individuals will be sicker, die sooner, and have infected more of their partners than they would have if they had been tested earlier."

You can find the testing site closest to you here or text your Zip Code to “KNOWIT” (566948).