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HIV Testing Critical Following Pandemic-Driven Testing Declines
June 27, 2022 (Anchorage) – Today, the Anchorage Health Department recognized National HIV Testing Day, and stressed the importance of testing as our strongest tool to prevent this life-altering disease and connect individuals to care and treatment.
“With HIV testing declining nationwide by as much as
50% during the first year of the pandemic, it's critical that we recover this lost momentum," said
Anchorage Health Department Epidemiologist Reva Katz. “Over 700 Alaskans are living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS. Testing is the simplest and best method we have to prevent the transmission of HIV. And for those infected, knowing one's status allows them to receive the care necessary to live a long and healthy life."
By identifying positive cases early, patients can be prescribed very effective treatments that suppress viral loads to undetectable levels. All residents, aged 13 to 64, should test for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Those with certain
risk factors should test at least once per year. Confidential testing is available at no charge at many locations in Anchorage, including the health department's
825 L Street clinic as well as Four A's
Fireweed Lane location.
On June 7, 2022, the Anchorage Assembly passed a resolution declaring June 27 as National HIV Testing Day. The full proclamation can be read
here.
Venus Woods and Robin Lutz of Four A's and Reva Katz from the health department pose with the National HIV Testing Day Assembly Resolution on June 24, 2022.
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Media contact: Tyler Sachtleben, AHD PIO,
tyler.sachtleben@anchorageak.gov, 907-343-4670