National HIV Testing Day: Everyone Encouraged To Get Tested

DETROIT (WWJ) - Just take a pill, and it will be fine.  That's the attitude of many young people on this 30th anniversary of the first reported cases of HIV.

But local health officials are urging everyone to get tested on this National HIV testing day. Bill Van Hemert of AIDS Partnership Michigan says with better treatments for HIV, it's getting harder to get the younger generation to take the disease seriously.

"That's part of that tough teenage mentality, that it's easy to take a pill, what we want to say is ...one; access to the pill may be difficult and how are you going to fund the pill?" said Van Hemert.

Van Hemert admits it is getting more difficult to get the younger generation to get tested.

"Before it was out there and it was in your face, and it was 'the fight', it was the disease of choice, now there is just some complacency, it's not the forefront but it's still there... people are still getting infected," said Van Hemert.

Monday is National HIV testing day. Van Hemert says everyone should know their status.

The Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion's (DHWP) HIV/AIDS Programs will recognize National HIV Testing Day on June 27, with activities providing free and confidential HIV tests:

Monday, June 27: 10 am – 2 pm
HIV education, counseling, testing, and referrals
Cody High School
2501 Second, Detroit

Monday, June 27: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
HIV education, counseling, testing, and referrals
Herman Kiefer Health Complex
1511 Taylor, Detroit

For more information, call 313-876-0980 or visit detroitmi.gov/health.