Tomorrow is National HIV Testing Day. The object of creating this day was just to encourage people to know their HIV status. I have taken an HIV test; it is easy, quick and painless. One mouth swab and 20 minutes later, you know your HIV status. No needles and a short 20 minute wait…what is stopping you?

In the United States, HIV has a disproportionate impact on African Americans; although African Americans form 12 percent of the country’s population, they comprise 49 percent of diagnosed HIV cases. The epidemic is spreading fastest among young African American and Hispanic women. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that as many as 180,000 to 280,000 people could be infected with HIV and NOT KNOW. I personally don’t want to become another statistic. I know that it is easy to feel invincible with regard to your health when you are in your 20s. In this case, knowledge really is power. Knowing your HIV status allows to make plans to maintain your health.

If you are interested, you can learn about local campaign events for National HIV Testing Day.