Today, June 27th, marks National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). First observed in 1995, this day highlights the importance of HIV testing and knowing your status. This year, the theme for NHTD is “Level up your self-love: check your status,” encouraging you to value your health by getting tested.

HIV testing allows individuals to make informed health decisions based on their results. Knowing your HIV status enables you to seek the right treatment early, reduce the chance of spreading the virus, and protect others.

Individuals who test negative for HIV can still take measures to prevent their risk of contracting the virus, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), condoms, vaccines, and STI testing. Those who test positive for HIV can start treatment rapidly, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), to stay healthy.

Whittier offers numerous services to combat the spread of HIV. The HIV Services Department provides a comprehensive set of programs that encompass outreach, community building, prevention (including positive prevention), testing, case management, peer support, and treatment. The HIV Services Department at Whittier has an HIV testing program designed to be extremely accessible. During clinic hours, anyone—whether or not they are currently a Whittier client—can come for a free, confidential, rapid 20-minute test delivered by a peer counselor or community health worker.

Whittier’s Infectious Disease and Special Populations (IDSP) department links individuals at high risk to adequate and affordable health care. Patients at risk for contracting HIV and HEP C have the opportunity to get tested, receive sexual health counseling, obtain safe kits, and have their health managed by adept and empathetic case managers. The mission of the IDSP department is to provide a smooth and fluid continuation of care, meeting our clients where they are mentally, emotionally, and psychosocially.

For more information regarding Whittier’s HIV Services please visit https://www.wshc.org/services/hiv-services/ or call (617) 858-3013.

For more information regarding Whittier’s IDSP Department please visit: https://www.wshc.org/infectious-disease-and-special-populations-department/