Take the Test, Take Control on National HIV Testing Day

NHCOA is one of three national Hispanic/Latino partners of the CDC’s Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI), a multi-year national communication initiative to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS among diverse communities. To learn how you can get involved in the fight against HIV, please join www.actagainstaids.org.

By María Eugenia Hernández-Lane, NHCOA Vice President

When it comes to protecting the health of our families and loved ones, an open and honest communication is key. Often times lack of information, shame, and fear create walls that can affect our interaction with those we love the most, as will have an impact on the decisions we make.

Today is an opportunity to break down one particular communication barrier as we commemorate National HIV Testing Day. The CDC estimates there are 1 million people in the United States living with HIV/AIDS. Of these, approximately one in five aren’t aware of their HIV status. A simple test could change that statistic, while helping lower the incidence of new HIV infections.

Yesterday, as we held our Empowerment and Civic Engagement Training in Miami, I was talking to a local community leader about the importance of communicating effectively, especially with our children. She told me her daughter recently told her in passing that one of her classmates confided to her she had the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

That telling piece of information prompted a conversation about STDs and the importance of sexual health. This is a scenario that should be repeated across all Hispanic households because Latinos are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2006, Hispanics comprised 15% of the U.S. population or 44.3 million people, [1] yet represented 18% of the HIV/AIDS cases that same year.

Because HIV/AIDS can affect anyone, it is also an ageless disease. About 31% of people living with HIV are ages 50 and over. [2] Moreover, the rates of HIV/AIDS among persons 50 and older were 5 times as high among Hispanics compared to Whites. [3] It is estimated that by 2015, half of the people living with HIV in the United States will be over age 50.

Miami and other popular retirement cities in Florida are prime spots for HIV infection, but HIV/AIDS isn’t restricted by geographic location. That is why it is important for older adults, their families, and caregivers to “Take the Test, Take Control.” Knowing your HIV status not only can protect your health by having the chance to receive treatment, but also protecting the health of partners and loved ones.

To find the closest testing centers, visit www.hivtest.org, text your ZIP code to “KnowIt” (566948), or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). For more information on HIV/AIDS and to promote HIV testing, visit www.actagainstaids.org.