For Immediate Release
June 25, 2007

Contact: Jennifer Wonnacott
(916) 444-8897

Test for Life Launches California Coalition
Diverse Coalition Unveils Grassroots Education Efforts of Statewide HIV Testing Campaign

SACRAMENTO– Today, Test for Life launched a new coalition in California, called Test for Life California, as part of its national HIV testing campaign that aims to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and successfully treat those infected.

“The goal of Test for Life California is to help educate people on the importance of HIV screening,” said Abner Mason, Executive Director of AIDS Responsibility Project and member of the Test for Life California Coalition. “The CDC recommendations come at a crucial juncture in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. While much good has been accomplished in the battle with this disease there are still opportunities to improve. Too many Americans are unaware of their HIV infection. Routine testing will limit the rate of new infections and can help move more patients into early and effective treatment that will allow them to lead healthy and productive lives.”

Nationally, African Americans account for 49 percent of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. In California, Latinos represented 35 percent of all reported AIDS cases and African Americans represented 19 percent of new AIDS cases, while women account for 13 percent of new AIDS cases. There are an estimated 40,000 Californians unaware that they are HIV positive. If this current trend continues they likely will not learn about their status until it’s too late to make a difference.

“We are thrilled to launch Test for Life California as part of our national HIV testing campaign,” said Dr. Gary Puckrein, President and CEO of the National Minority Quality Forum. “Testing is the only way individuals infected with HIV will know their status and is essential to preventing the spread of this disease. This diverse coalition will help infuse the great state of California with a greater sense of awareness and information needed to limit the spread of HIV/AIDS and treat its patients effectively.”

Test for Life California also announced they will co-host a series of town halls on HIV testing throughout California starting in August 2007 in locations such as Los Angeles, the Bay Area, the Central Valley, San Diego, the Imperial Valley, Bakersfield and the Inland Empire. The events will bring together AIDS activists, elected officials and community organizations to increase awareness and encourage routine HIV testing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are approximately 250,000 to 300,000 Americans who do not know they are infected with HIV. CDC also estimates that the majority of new infections are a caused by individuals who are unaware of their status and are unknowingly spreading the disease.

This week, Test for Life launched state coalitions in three states: Alabama, California and North Carolina.

Test for Life began in 2006 as an educational campaign of the National Minority Quality Forum, designed to raise awareness of the importance of routine HIV screening in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing are essential to improving early diagnosis of HIV and linking patients to early care and treatment of the disease. To join the Test for Life California coalition, please visit our website: www.testforlife.org/california.

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