Why You Should Make The Pledge

Top 5 Reasons You Should MAKE THE PLEDGE to Get Tested for HIV

1. Make the Pledge to get tested for HIV because it is important for our communities’ health. In the United States, more than 1 million people are living with HIV and about 1 out of every 5 does not know they are infected. People who don’t know their status are responsible for 50 to 70 percent of new infections. Get tested and know your status.

2. Make the Pledge to get tested for HIV because it is important for your health. If you are HIV-positive, there are effective medications for treating HIV and the earlier you start medical treatment, the more likely you are to stay well for many years.

3. Make the Pledge to get tested for HIV because it is important to protect your partners from HIV infection. Research shows that persons who find out that they are HIV positive take steps to reduce behaviors that may place their partners at risk for HIV infection.

4. Make the Pledge to get tested for HIV because the U.S.CDC recommends that all persons age 13-64 get tested for HIV by a health care provider. Persons at high-risk for HIV infection are recommended to get HIV tested at least annually.

5. Make the Pledge to get tested for HIV because even if you are HIV negative, you are taking steps to protect your health by knowing your status. The pledge can also demonstrate to your friends and family the importance of knowing your HIV status. HIV screening, like regular exercise and other wellness and prevention behaviors, is a regular part of maintaining good health, and is something to be proud of.