By: Dr. Patrick Chaulk, Assistant Commissioner, Bureau of HIV / STD Services

Did you know that currently over 13,000 Baltimoreans are living with HIV/AIDS? But this does not tell the full story of HIV in Baltimore.

Unfortunately, it is estimated that one in seven Baltimoreans are not aware they are infected with HIV.  This means they will not be seeking life-saving HIV treatment that can help them lead a long and healthy life.  So, it’s critical to get tested and Know Your Status!

In 2014, Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) and their funded partners conducted over 47,000 tests and identified 463 HIV positive individuals, of which 178 were newly diagnosed.

Knowing your HIV status must be as routine as knowing your blood pressure, your cholesterol level, and your Body Mass Index score.  HIV testing should be a routine part of all medical appointments, and BCHD has a “detailer” program with primary care physicians in the city encouraging doctors to make HIV testing a standard practice.

This is one reason behind each June 27th being designated nationally as National HIV Testing Day. This day presents an opportunity for all of us to follow theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation to get tested for HIV at least annually and learn our status.  It is also a reminder to get the facts and get involved to take care of yourself and your partners.

On Saturday, BCHD’s Outreach Team will be offering free and confidential HIV testing at the Total Health Care Men’s Health Fair (1515 W. North Avenue) as well as at Latino Fest at Patterson Park from 12 pm – 8 p.m.

For those who test positive, it is an opportunity for them to obtain care and medication that allows them to live longer, healthier lives, and reduce the risk of HIV transmission. For those who test negative, it is a reminder to continue health-promoting behaviors, including practicing safe sex and abstaining from IV drug use or needle sharing. For all of us, it is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to a city where new infections occur infrequently, and, when they do occur, those affected have access to life-affirming and life-sustaining care.

BCHD’s Bureau of HIV/STD Services shares in this commitment. Our outreach team, along with our community partners, provides testing and linkage to care at locations and events throughout the city, including at events such as Pride, African American Festival, and Artscape. Our HIV testing services – places and times – can be found on our website.  Importantly, these services are free and confidential.

We are committed to engaging our city in providing HIV prevention services, including encouraging primary care physicians to provide routine HIV testing and our community partners to provide the newest and most innovative prevention methods, such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

Our Community Risk Reduction Program provides needle exchange services throughout the city, as well as reproductive health, wound care, and overdose prevention services. Our Ryan White Program works to ensure that those living with HIV who are uninsured or underinsured have access to necessary treatment and support services. Through our combined efforts, we have met the Healthy Baltimore 2015 objective of reducing new HIV infections by 25%, and those with HIV are living longer, healthier, and happier lives.

We urge you, not only on National HIV Testing Day, but annually, to get tested for HIV and to “Know Your Status.”