State Hotline Urges Testing on World AIDS Day

Editor’s Note: The following is a news release issued by the New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline.

In observance of World AIDS Day this year, get out and get tested. Everyone is at risk for infection so it’s important to know your HIV status. You cannot rely on symptoms to know if you are HIV positive – testing is the only way to know for sure. Many people who are HIV positive do not have any symptoms for years. Take control of your own health and help prevent illness of those around you by getting tested. Remember, know your HIV status!

STDs do not discriminate! The New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline highly recommends that everyone get tested. Call the health care professionals at the New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline, 800-624-2377, to find a free state-funded testing site near you.

In addition, call if you have a positive test result and need to find a site for a follow-up or if you have any questions or concerns regarding STDs, HIV or Hepatitis. We are here to help. The hotline also accepts email or text questions at 8006242377@njpies.org. The following services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

• Referrals for testing sites and other related services
• HIV/AIDS, STD and Hepatitis Prevention Information
• Counseling and Treatment Locations
• Treatment Information

From 2011-2015, World AIDS day is about “Getting to Zero” and it refers to zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.

Since 1988, Dec. 1 has been designated as an international health observance day highlighting the global spread and response to HIV/AIDS. Each year millions of people around the world gather in solidarity to remember those lost as well as those still living with HIV and to celebrate the victories in the fight against HIV /AIDS.

World AIDS Day serves as an important opportunity to remind us that AIDS remains a major global health priority despite the progress that has been already made. Millions of people worldwide continue to be infected with HIV each year. New infections continue to exceed the number of people beginning treatment. Providing universal access to prevention, treatment, and care is critical in stopping and reversing the AIDS pandemic. We must continue to keep spreading the word about the status of the pandemic and encourage leaders around the world to act now to provide greater access to care for all especially in high prevalence countries.

• Available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
• 1-800-624-2377
• Calls are free and confidential!