I Got Tested. Will You?

To commemorate National HIV Testing Day, I--along with Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D‐CA), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D‐CA), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D‐DC), and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee--got tested for HIV on Thursday. The testing was part of a press conference held on Capitol Hill to stress the importance of HIV testing and encourage all people to get tested and know their status. 

It might be hard to believe, but 60 percent of U.S. adults have never been tested for HIV, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That is why during the press conference Congresswoman Waters said she is working to introduce a bill making it mandatory to include the HIV test in annual check-ups. The Routine HIV Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 2137) would require health insurance plans to cover routine HIV tests under the same terms and conditions as other routine health screenings.

“We need to increase the availability of HIV tests and encourage individuals to get tested so we can reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS.  More people will seek testing if they realize that it’s easy and painless--it can be done by a simple swab inside your cheek, without a needle or blood--and you can get your results back in half an hour,” Congresswoman Waters said.

My test went smoothly and rather quickly. I was asked a few questions. I swabbed my cheeks and I received my results in about 20 minutes. It was that easy. 

Today throughout the country, health professionals are offering free HIV tests. Between running your errands and enjoying the warm weather, take a few minutes to get tested. Find a testing site in your area.

Now I know my status. Do you?

DeShuna Spencer is Publisher/Editorial Director of emPower magazine. She can be reached at editorial@emPowernewsmag.com.