Miami, FL – June 27th is National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), a day to emphasize and encourage HIV testing. The NHTD theme for 2022 is “HIV Testing is Self-care.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending HIV testing for every person between the ages of 13-64 at least once as part of routine health care. As outlined in the federal government’s Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, HIV testing is critical in diagnosing HIV, identifying acute infections, and referring to HIV treatment or prevention options such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill that is highly effective in preventing HIV acquisition.
Ensuring that people know their HIV status is the first step in getting connected to HIV care and treatment for those who are HIV-positive. People with HIV who take medication as prescribed and maintain viral suppression are known to have improved health outcomes.
“HIV testing is the first step to end the HIV epidemic in the United States. Today, there are more free, easy, fast, and confidential HIV testing options available than ever before, including HIV at-home self-tests, visit testmiami.org to access testing options in Miami-Dade County,” said Yesenia Villalta, DNP, MSN, APRN, Administrator/Health Officer,Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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