AAC encourages HIV testing Monday

National HIV Testing Day is Monday, June 27.

Monday is National HIV Testing Day and the AIDS Action Coalition of North Alabama (AAC) is encouraging people to know their status by being tested.

The coalition will provide free HIV testing Monday, June 27 from 8 a.m. to 4:14 p.m.

The coalition will also have food, giveaways, novelty items and t-shirts.

“We’d like to definitely encourage people to get tested within the community and see our new prevention services department,” said Adriel Johnson, prevention case manager. “The HIV rates amongst persons in the South are increasing and a significant portion of those living with HIV/AIDS reside in the South.”

Local radio station WEUP will be on location live promoting the event and encouraging the community to come out.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than one million people are living with HIV in the United States. One in five (21 percent) of those people living with HIV are unaware of their infection.

Despite increases in the total number of people living with HIV, in recent years, the annual number of new HIV infections has remained relatively stable. However, new infections continue at far too high a level, with an estimated 56,300 Americans becoming infected with HIV each year.

The AAC is located at 600 St. Clair Ave. building 7, suite 18. For more information, call (256) 536-4700.