Reflections from Bryan Gooding,
PHIMC Program Director of Public Health Practice
As a person living with HIV for 30 years—and as an advocate, activist, and occasional agitator for people living with or at risk for HIV—I have spent nearly two decades working in this field. As we approach National HIV Testing Day, I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to reflect on the challenges of the past 18 months and voice my concern about the future.
Trump-era cuts to HIV prevention funding threaten all that we and I have dedicated my life and work to, by reversing decades of progress in reducing HIV infections across the United States and in Illinois in particular. Reductions to CDC prevention programs, surveillance, outreach, and community-based services weaken the public health infrastructure needed to prevent new infections and support vulnerable communities, particularly Black and Latine populations and LGBTQ+ individuals. In Illinois, these cuts jeopardize the prevention, testing, linkage-to-care, and harm reduction efforts that are critical to addressing persistent HIV disparities and advancing the goal of the Illinois Getting to Zero plan. At times I feel disheartened and always overwhelmed, but I truly believe that by staying connected, leveraging resources, supporting each other and continuing to uplift community, we can and will continue the important work we all hold so dearly.
Although the current administration and the HHS no longer support or update information or toolkits for National HIV Testing Day, we can still uplift the message from 2024, “Level up your self-love: check your status.” This slogan emphasizes getting an HIV test as a proactive act of self-compassion, self-respect, and personal well-being.
Observed annually on June 27, National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) plays a critical role in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. PHIMC and community partners providing and advocating for prevention services, recognize the significance of this day by engaging with their community and stakeholders in several key ways:
1. Raising Awareness
PHIMC and our community partners aim to increase awareness about HIV, its transmission, and prevention. Many people remain unaware of their HIV status, and this day serves as a reminder of the importance of regular testing.
2. Encouraging Testing
Encouraging regular testing is crucial for early detection and management of HIV. NHTD provides an opportunity to promote and facilitate HIV testing and reduce the stigma often associated with testing. Early detection allows individuals to receive timely medical care, improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of transmission to others.
3. Educational Campaigns
Health organizations use NHTD to launch educational campaigns about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. These campaigns are essential in disseminating accurate information and dispelling myths about HIV/AIDS.
4. Reducing Stigma
NHTD helps to normalize HIV testing and reduce the stigma associated with the virus. By making testing more visible and accessible, it encourages a more open dialogue about HIV and fosters a supportive environment for those affected.
5. Community Engagement
PHIMC’s funded partners organize events and activities on NHTD to engage their communities in the fight against HIV. These events include free testing, counseling, and educational materials, making it easier for people to get tested and informed.
6. Highlighting Advances in Treatment and Prevention
NHTD is also an opportunity to highlight advances in HIV treatment and prevention, such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART). These advances have significantly improved the quality of life for people living with HIV and have contributed to reducing new infections.
7. Policy Advocacy
The day can be leveraged to advocate for policies and funding that support HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and treatment programs. It brings attention to the ongoing need for government and institutional support in addressing the HIV epidemic.
8. Reducing Health Disparities
HIV disproportionately affects certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals. NHTD provides a platform to address these disparities and promote equity in HIV testing, prevention, and care.
In summary, observing National HIV Testing Day promotes awareness, encourages testing, reduces stigma, engages communities, and supports the fight against HIV/AIDS through education, advocacy, and the promotion of health equity.
Use the hashtag #NationalHIVTestingDay on social media to join the conversation and spread awareness.
Together in the fight!
Bryan Gooding
Program Director of Public Health Practice
