Everyone has an HIV status

It’s June. Time for your whole self to come out of hiding.  

If you are like most Americans, you have noticed that it’s Pride Month. Did you know that National HIV Testing Day (#NHTD) is also coming up? Not-so-coincidentally, NHTD 2023 is on June 27th – the day prior to the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City in 1969. Why are they connected? Because LGBTQ+ folks remain the most heavily impacted by HIV in our community, especially folks who are Black, Indigenous or other people of color. Pride and health go together. Let’s do this.

 National HIV Testing Day 2023 is on June 27th – the day prior to the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City in 1969.

Have you been tested? Try self-testing at home.

Importantly, HIV testing is for everyone aged 13-64. Did you know that you can get tested for free, even without insurance? There are plenty of options for HIV testing.  

This year, HIV advocates want us to focus on HIV self-testing (HIVST), also known as home test kits, as a great way to take charge of our sexual health. We’ve all become accustomed to this kind of self-testing during COVID, and these kits are very similar. You have privacy, it’s quick, the technology is proven, and resources are immediately available.

 There are FREE home test kits available from a national website called Take Me Home.

There are FREE home test kits available from a national website called Take Me Home. Share this information with your friends! There are one million HIV self-tests available.

Looking for a doctor, clinic, or in-person screening?

There is also a fabulous HIV information portal for Ohioans called OHIV.org that offers HIV home test kits and all kinds of information and resources, regardless of your HIV status. Know someone living with HIV? This will work for them. Wondering where to find a doctor, clinic, or in-person screening? This site will work for you, too. Not sure what you need and just want to talk with a human? You can live chat and also call the hotline at 1-800-332-2437.  

If we are going to end the HIV epidemic, we need to prioritize HIV prevention and testing. When you know your status, you can then do something about it. Information is power. Let’s Stop HIV Together.  

We all have an HIV status. I know mine – you can take this opportunity to find out yours.