Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel, a senior member of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee, is encouraging participation in National HIV Testing Day on Saturday, June 27. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 1.1 million people are currently living with HIV/AIDS in America, including more than 100,000 people in New York. Additionally, CDC has estimated that there are 56,000 new HIV infections occurring each year in the United States. Over 21 percent of those infected with HIV are unaware of it.

“It is extremely important that people learn their HIV/AIDS status and begin getting appropriate treatment as early as possible. Without knowing their status, individuals can unwittingly spread the disease to others. I urge everyone to take a few moments to go to a testing site." said Rep. Engel.

The National Association of People With AIDS, in conjunction with the CDC, produces National HIV Testing Day, an annual campaign that culminates on June 27. This year’s theme is “Take the test, take control,” emphasizing the fact that just getting tested can produce behavioral change regardless of the diagnosis.

Rep. Engel added, “I want to commend both the National Association of People With AIDS and the CDC for shining a light on the importance of getting tested for HIV. Information is power, and every new person educated helps stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.”

To find a testing site close to home, visit the CDC’s website at: http://hivtest.org/.