Facts

There are approximately 1.2 million people in the United States that are living with HIV/AIDS – an estimated 40,000 new HIV/AIDS infections occur each year. Over one-quarter (250,000 to 312,000) of those infected with HIV are unaware of their status.
 
• Of new HIV/AIDS infections 70 percent occur among racial/ethnic minorities – particularly African Americans and Latinos.  African Americans account for nearly half of new infections, despite being only 13 percent of the population.

• 40 percent of HIV infected African Americans were diagnosed late in their illness – that is, diagnosed with AIDS within one year of testing positive for HIV.
 
In 2006, the CDC issued new HIV testing recommendations, calling for voluntary op-out HIV screening as a routine part of medical care for all patients aged 13 to 64 with the goal of increasing early HIV diagnosis.

• HIV infections could be reduced by 30 percent per year if all HIV infected persons knew of their infection and adopted behavioral changes to limit the spread of the disease.

• Prompt diagnosis improves survival.  You can fully benefit from life-prolonging treatments only if you are tested early, extending your life by up to 13 years.
 
 
HIV testing is easier, more accessible, and less invasive than ever. 

Choose to know your status.