NOBCO encourages HIV testing

The National Organization of Black County Officials, Inc. (NOBCO) is highlighting National HIV Testing Day, June 27, as a reminder that knowing one’s status is important for living a long life. It is estimated there are 50,000 new incidences of HIV each year, and southern states and counties are the most affected by high HIV rates.

“We can all do our part by spreading the word, by getting tested and knowing our status. It’s a wonderful way of leading by example,” said NOBCO Chairman Roy Charles Brooks, commissioner, Tarrant County, Texas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that early testing, linkage to care and retention of care could prevent 90 percent of new infections in the United States for those who are HIV positive. HIV is no longer the death sentence of the past and early diagnosis is the key to living a healthy life with HIV.

The CDC has suggested sharing the following information:

• Use the site locator at https://gettested.cdc.gov and enter your ZIP code, and the locator will find a testing site near you.

• Text your local ZIP code to KNOWIT, and you will receive a text back with a testing site near you.

• Call 800.CDC.INFO (800.232.4636) to ask for free testing sites in your area,

• Contact the local health department, and

• Post pictures of what your county is doing to fight HIV on NOBCO’s social media sites: Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.