“Knowledge is power, and HIV counseling and testing provides each one of us with the power to protect our own health and the health of our partners, said John M. Colmers, DHMH Secretary. “All of us envision a day when Maryland has no new HIV infections.”  

The National HIV Testing Day observance on June 27^th  is designed to increase awareness among all populations and to encourage everyone to be tested .  Early diagnosis, testing and counseling are essential to appropriate care and treatment.  

There are an estimated 28,300 Marylanders diagnosed and known to be living with HIV/AIDS.

Maryland ranked fifth among states and territories for the rate of people living AIDS in 2007.  Nationally, the CDC estimated that 1.1 million adults were living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2006, and 21 percent of them did not know their HIV status.   

“The Maryland AIDS Administration promotes access to HIV testing, counseling, and referral services through more than 350 sites across the State.  These programs provide free, confidential HIV testing so that individuals can learn their HIV status and access HIV care and services,” said Heather Hauck, Director of the Maryland AIDS Administration.

In observance of National HIV Testing Day, the Maryland AIDS Administration and Women Accepting Responsibility (W.A.R.) will co-sponsor a 2-mile walk from the Arlington Community of Northwest Baltimore to Walbrook Junction on June 26, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. A community health fair will be held at the Garwin Medical Center on June 27, 2009 beginning at 11:00 A.M. Local agencies and organizations are encouraged to host special events that encourage HIV testing where they live, work and worship.

For more information: visit www.dhmh.state.md.us/AIDS/ or visit http://www.napwa.org/public/programs/nhtd.php