Today Is National HIV Testing Day

Perhaps the best tool that we have in fighting the HIV epidemic is knowledge of one's status.  So why not go get tested, on National HIV Testing Day?  From the CDC:

"The majority of the estimated 56,000 new HIV infections that occur each year are transmitted by those who are unaware of their infection. Effective HIV treatments now allow people living with HIV to live long, productive lives, yet nearly 17,000 people with AIDS still die every year in the United States. Despite these troubling statistics, the majority of Americans have still never taken an HIV test. Many people don’t recognize that they’re at risk for HIV infection, even if they engage in behaviors that put them at risk. Others may fear what a positive diagnosis could mean for them, despite the effective treatments now available. And many people don’t yet realize that testing today is quick, easy and confidential. On this National HIV Testing Day, don’t let fear or misinformation stop you from getting tested. I strongly encourage all Americans to get tested for HIV, and to text and tweet hivtest.org to your friends and family to encourage them to do the same. HIV testing is the critical first step to protect yourself and your loved ones from HIV, and to help end the HIV epidemic in the United States."

I took the liberty of compiling a list of testing centers in the American cities (sorry Warsaw, I don't read Polish) that read OAQ the most.  Check them out and go get tested, because there's nothing more important than your health.  I know my status.  Do you?

Seattle: Gay City
Tuesday – Friday from 3:00pm – 8:00pm

Saturdays from 12:30pm – 5:00pm

Gay City Health Project
511 E. Pike
[between Belmont & Summit]

Portland:  Cascade AIDS Project
Rapid HIV testing -- open to all

Suggested donation of $50
Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm
208 SW 5th Ave., 8th floor
Walk-in or appointment

Eugene: HIV Alliance

Mondays:
At HIV Alliance, 1966 Garden Ave, Eugene, OR 97403: 5-7pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
Tuesdays:
At HIV Alliance: 5-7 pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
Wednesdays:
At Needle Exchange, dead end of Blair St.: 6-7:30 pm (2-week testing only)
Thursdays:
At Needle Exchange, under the bridge across from Island Park in Glenwood: 6-7:30 pm (2-week testing only)
At HIV Alliance: 6-8 pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
At New Roads (open to current New Roads clients only): 5:30-6:45 pm (rapid and 2-week testing)
Fridays:
At Needle Exchange, HIV Alliance: 3-5pm (rapid and 2-week testing)

Baltimore: Chase Brexton

Monday, June 27, 2011 - National HIV Testing Day. Free, anonymous, oral or finger prick HIV testing at all centers. Results in 20 minutes. NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED:
Mt. Vernon Center - 9 to 7
Randallstown Center - 9 to 4
Columbia Center - 9 to 4
Easton Center - 9 to 4

Washington, DC: Whitman Walker 

(check out their website, they have both their clinic offices and mobile testing sites)

New York City: HAF 
(they have locations in everyfuckin' place, check out their website)

There.  I did half the work for you.  Now you just need to click.

xoxo 

Ian