June 27th marks National HIV testing day—a day to raise awareness about available testing options, encourage regular testing, and advocate for breaking down stigma and barriers to accessing this vital form of healthcare.

The theme of NHTD 2022 is “HIV Testing is Self Care.” Caring for the wellbeing of ourselves and our communities is vital, especially in the context of current social conditions including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic inequality and increasingly visible racism. Taking an HIV test is an important tool in this effort, and gives you powerful information about how to take care of your health.

The CDC recommends that everyone aged 13-64 gets tested for HIV at least once. Some people, including those with more than one sexual partner, are recommended to get tested at least once a year. Others, including men who have sex with men, may benefit from testing every 3-6 months.

Thanks to decades of advocacy and research, there are more HIV testing options available than ever before. Taking a test can be easy, free, confidential and private. If you or someone you know is interested in celebrating NHTD or accessing HIV testing, please check out these resources:

• Learn more about HIV testing at CAP

• Follow the CAP Prevention Team on social media to stay in the loop about local testing events!

• Order a free HIV self-test kit online. Get results within 20 minutes—on your own time, in your own space.