Norton and CBC Members Will Get Tested on Friday at Capitol for National HIV Testing Day

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and the members of the Congressional Black Caucus will host HIV testing from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 25 in recognition of National HIV Testing Day on Sunday.  A Prevention Works mobile HIV testing van will be stationed at New Jersey Avenue and C Street SE following an 11:00 a.m. press conference by Norton, CBC Members, and the National Association of People with AIDS.  Norton will also join the National Council of Negro Women and WHUR 96.3 FM for a live broadcast at 10:30 a.m. on Friday in support of National HIV Testing Day.

"High HIV/AIDS rates continue to plunder African American communities today," Norton said.  "One-third of D.C. residents who are infected may be unaware that they are infected.  Getting tested as a community each year on National HIV Testing Day is useful to help eliminate the stigma and fear of learning your HIV status."

The HIV/AIDS test that will be administered is the OraQuick (mouth swab test).  Individuals will receive their test results within twenty minutes of taking the test.  Pre-counseling and post-counseling will be provided and safe sex kits will be distributed as well.  All testing and results will be confidential.

Earlier this month at Norton's Annual Job Fair, 81 District residents, up from 30 last year, were tested.  Norton includes HIV testing at all her public events.  She defeated attempts last year in Congress to re-impose the ban on the city's use of local funds for the syringe exchange program in last year's appropriations bill.