On National HIV Testing Day, Shopping at a Drug Store Can Save Lives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Krishna Stone | 212.367.1016

New York, NY—Of the more than 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S. today, an estimated one in five, or nearly a quarter of a million people, do not know it. One-third of those who are HIV-positive are diagnosed so late in the course of their infection they develop AIDS within one year. Early diagnosis and treatment help save lives and are known to reduce the spread of HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) encourage everyone to know their HIV status.

"The expanded offering of testing at drugs stores—in neighborhoods or where people work—is a crucial measure for people who do not know their status and those at risk of HIV," said Lynnette Ford, MSW, Director of the David Geffen Center for HIV Prevention and Health Education at GMHC. "Being offered an HIV test at these stores will also decrease HIV-related stigma."

From June 27 to June 29, GMHC is proud to partner with Walgreens, Greater Than AIDS, Harlem United and the DOHMH to increase opportunities for testing which will allow more New Yorkers to take charge of their health, and access the treatment and care they need.

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About GMHC
GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS.  We provide prevention and care services to men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City.  We advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.  For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.