Grand Canyon Times

Today is observed as National HIV Testing Day, a day to bring awareness to the need for all Arizonans to be aware of their HIV status. The Arizona Department of Health Services’ (ADHS) Office of HIV & Hepatitis C Services supports HIV testing not only on this day but year-round through at-home test kits and in-person testing at partnering county health departments and community organizations.

From 2019 to 2023, ADHS supported partners in conducting 76,078 rapid HIV tests, 220,393 lab-based tests, and distributing 13,659 home test kits. "Everyone should get tested for HIV at least once in their life," an ADHS representative stated. ADHS HIV Prevention Program partners will observe this year’s National HIV Testing Day by providing rapid HIV tests, PrEP navigation, education, and community resources at locations around Arizona.

National HIV Testing Day was created by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA). It was first observed in 1995 to show the importance of knowing one’s HIV status. Today many communities use their lived experiences to foster policy change by advocating for harm reduction programs and accessible housing while centering their joy, culture, and history. Although the HIV landscape has changed, many communities are still navigating the trauma and harm from the early days of the AIDS epidemic.

The Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) data show there’s been a 12% decline in HIV infections in 2022 versus 2018. Additionally, there was a 30% decrease in infections among people ages 13 to 24. This highlights how crucial prevention programming is and demonstrates the dedication of public health professionals and community leaders working towards ending HIV.

ADHS’ HIV Prevention Program collaborates with various jurisdictions, community-based organizations, clinics, grassroots organizations, and committees to address social factors that place Arizonans at risk for contracting HIV. Activities funded by the program include:

- Providing testing services through county health departments and community-based organizations.

- Offering partner services designed to reduce the spread of HIV by facilitating confidential identification and notification of partners who may have been unknowingly exposed.

- Navigating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

- Implementing focused interventions for people living with or at high risk of contracting HIV.

- Distributing condoms through agencies' outreach efforts.

- Conducting media initiatives targeted at high-risk populations.

- Building capacity and offering technical assistance to providers.

"Knowing one’s status is how we center our health and wellness," an ADHS spokesperson emphasized. This National Testing Day provides an opportunity for individuals to get tested and know their status.