May 20, 2022

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day 2022

National HIV Testing Day - June 27, 2022
THEME: HIV Testing is Self-care 

(Spartanburg, S.C. – May 20, 2022) - National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is an annual campaign (June 27) to emphasize and encourage HIV testing. Early HIV diagnosis is critical, so people living with HIV can fully benefit from available life-saving treatments.

Piedmont Care is offering free and confidential HIV testing on Monday, June 27 from 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., sponsored by Avita Pharmacy. Appointments preferred. Walk-ins welcome. Masks required. The organization provides the HIV rapid test using the oral swab method. This method is bloodless and takes about 20 minutes. The visit to Piedmont Care will last less than an hour! For an appointment or more information, please contact Loree Bishop, HIV Prevention Coordinator, at (864) 582-7773 or loree@piedmontcare.org. 

Piedmont Care also has a self-testing option that can be done when and where an individual chooses. To learn if you are eligible to participate, please visit our web site.

THE STATS 

  • South Carolina ranks 11th in the nation for AIDS case rates. (SC DHEC) 
  • In SC, more than 20,000 men and women are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS. (SC DHEC) 
  •  In 2019, approximately 37,000 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in the U.S. (CDC) 
  • In the U.S., 13% of people with HIV do not know they have the virus. (CDC) 
  • People ages 13 to 24 accounted for 21% of all new HIV diagnoses in the U.S in 2018. (CDC) 

According to Piedmont Care executive director, Tracey Jackson, “HIV testing is simple, accessible, and affordable at Piedmont Care. Unfortunately, about half of all adults in the U.S. have never been tested. HIV testing is the gateway to life-saving treatment and reduced risk of transmission. Let us help you know your HIV status. HIV testing is Self-care: Taking the test is taking care of you!” 

Piedmont Care is the nonprofit organization providing HIV and AIDS care, prevention and advocacy in our community. To learn more about National HIV Testing Day or HIV/AIDS, please visit our Web site at www.piedmontcare.org or www.hivtest.org or www.hiv.gov. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. #HIVTestingDay