National HIV Testing Day
Every year, on this day, we observe National HIV Testing Day. We come together as a community to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and early diagnosis of HIV. Though Vermont is a low prevalence state when it comes to HIV, these conversations, as well as access to safe and low barrier testing, are as important as ever. My friend and fellow Winooski resident, Cooper Anderson, offered his story to bring awareness to the impact here in Vermont:
“I have known Taylor for many years: first meeting at UVM, and later staying connected through organizations like Outright Vermont and the Pride Center. On January 11th, I received an email from the hospital saying that I had new test results to look at after routine lab work. I checked all of my labs and looked at my HIV result last. A big yellow highlighted ‘POSITIVE’ came across the screen. My world stopped.
I immediately reached out to two of my nurse friends asking them what my results meant. I could read, and knew what it likely meant. But nothing felt real. Sunday morning I messaged Taylor asking if she would run a rapid test with me that night. Without hesitation, she said yes. Taylor was in New Hampshire at the time, but that afternoon drove home, and picked up a testing kit from the Pride Center. We sat in her kitchen and completed paperwork and started the test. I couldn’t even tell you how long those minutes felt waiting for the result to come. We turned over the test and it confirmed a positive reading. It’s 2020, and being diagnosed with HIV is no longer the same prognosis that it once was. Yet here I was feeling broken. The world felt numb, but next to me there was Taylor: calm and collected.
We discussed next steps and Taylor made all the necessary calls to set me up with the Comprehensive Care Clinic. She came with me to get labs, to talk to the representative from the department of health, and to my appointments. She was there. She effectively secured a lifeline around me while my world was seemingly crumbling in front of me. We got dinner from a local restaurant, watched TV together, and even folded laundry. I kept looking at my bright yellow band-aid decorated with The Flash superhero. If I could’ve run that fast, I would have. I keep that band-aid as a reminder of that day, and how Taylor was able to keep my life together in a moment when I felt like I could not. I’m now living with my HIV diagnosis and life is getting better every day.
June 27th is National HIV Testing Day, and I encourage everyone to get tested, know your status, and take charge of your personal health. I also encourage those that need a strong, compassionate, and caring person to represent you in the Vermont House to vote for Taylor Small, Chittenden 6-7.”
I am so grateful that Cooper shared his story because it underscores the increased supports still needed in our healthcare system. Our non-profit sector has helped to fill in the gaps that exist for some time now and are integral to our communities, especially those most marginalized. This year’s theme for National HIV Testing Day is about the power of “knowing”— knowing your HIV status, knowing your risk, knowing your prevention options, and knowing your treatment options. This theme highlights the many ways that we keep our communities in-the-know about local HIV testing, and goes even farther to include broader awareness of the multitude of options related to HIV education, prevention, and treatment. As Cooper encouraged: “get tested, know your status, and take charge of your personal health”.
