June 27 marks National HIV Testing Day, an annual reminder that knowing your HIV status is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others. In Indiana, an estimated 15,100 people were living with HIV in 2022, and HIV continues to affect communities across the country. Routine testing helps people get the information they need, connect to care sooner and make informed decisions about prevention.
Amber Melchior, our Director of Nursing, adds, “National HIV Testing Day is an important reminder that knowing your status is one of the most powerful steps you can take for your health. HIV testing helps people get connected to care earlier, and for those who test negative, it opens the door to prevention tools and informed decisions about their health.”
Across the United States, approximately 1.2 million people are living with HIV, and about 1 in 8 do not know it. That makes testing a critical first step. When HIV is diagnosed early, people can begin treatment sooner, which supports better long-term health and helps reduce the chance of transmission. For those who test negative, testing can also open the door to prevention options such as condoms, PrEP and conversations with a trusted health care provider.
“In Indiana, HIV remains a real public health issue, which is why regular testing and education matter,” says Amber. “Too many people still don’t know they are living with HIV, and early diagnosis can make a meaningful difference in both long-term health outcomes and reducing transmission in our communities.”
HIV testing is simple, confidential and often easily accessible through organizations such as Jane Pauley Community Health Center. It is also a routine part of preventive care.
Amber concludes, “Getting tested for HIV should be viewed just like any other routine health screening; it’s a part of taking care of yourself and others. CDC recommends that everyone between ages 13 and 64 get tested at least once, and some people may benefit from more frequent testing depending on risk.”
National HIV Testing Day is a helpful opportunity to talk openly about HIV, reduce stigma, and encourage people to make testing part of their regular health routine. Whether the result is positive or negative, knowing your status gives you information that can help you take the next right step for your health.
If you have never been tested for HIV, or if it has been more than a year and you may have ongoing risk factors, consider scheduling a test. A health care provider can help you understand which testing option is right for you and talk through prevention and treatment resources. Give us a call for more information!
Amber Melchior has been with the Jane Pauley Community Health Center for 4 years, following success in management roles at other health centers. She currently serves as the Director of Nursing. She received her MSN and MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.
