National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – April 10: Things You Can Do

Learn how HIV/AIDS affects youth. Youth aged 13 to 24 accounted for an estimated 22% of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States in 2014. Many young people engage in sexual risk behaviors that can result in unintended health outcomes. Addressing HIV in youth requires that we give them the tools they need to reduce risk, make healthy decisions, communicate effectively, and get treatment and care if it is needed.

Among U.S. high school students surveyed in 2015, only 10% of sexually experienced students have ever been tested for HIV.  CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care, and that people with certain risk factors get tested more often. HIV testing is a normal part of life—if everyone else is Doing It, you can too!

Find a testing location in your area:

• Use the Doing It  testing locator
• Text your ZIP code to “KNOW IT” (566948)
• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO
• Talk to your doctor or health care provider
• Purchase a home HIV test at a pharmacy or drug store

• Follow Act Against AIDS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
• Follow CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health on Twitter
• Help get #NYHAAD17 trending on social media by sharing and retweeting Awareness Day messages or creating your own. Here are a few sample posts you can use leading up to and on #NYHAAD17:
  • Today is National Youth #HIV/AIDS Awareness Day! Are you #DoingIt for #NYHAAD17 too? Get tested for HIV: http://bit.ly/2lWzKae.
  • Are you #DoingIt for #NYHAAD17? Regardless of your relationship status, make #HIV testing part of your health routine: cdc.gov/DoingIt
  • Knowing your #HIV status helps you live a healthy life. Start #DoingIt! Find a free testing site near you: http://bit.ly/2lWzKae. #NYHAAD17
  • Celebrate your life, your friendships, and your future this National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by #DoingIt. Knowing your #HIV status can help you live a long and healthy life. Make your health a priority! Find somewhere to get tested today with @ActAgainstAIDS at cdc.gov/DoingIt. #DoingIt is fast, free, and confidential. #NYHAAD17