June 30, 2025 BY imani leave a comment
Every year on June 27th, communities across the country recognize National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) – a day dedicated to promoting HIV testing and raising awareness about the importance of knowing your status. But what does this day truly mean for Black and Brown communities?
The Impact is Real
According to the CDC, from 2011 to 2014, National HIV Testing Day made a significant difference:
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More people got tested in June than any other month each year.
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June 27th consistently had the highest number of new HIV diagnoses, compared to any other day.
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The day was especially impactful for African American men, men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender individuals – groups that continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV.
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On average, there were 17–40% more new HIV diagnoses on NHTD than on other days.
These numbers prove that targeted testing campaigns save lives. When people know their HIV status, they can take steps to care for themselves and prevent further spread within our community.
Spreading the Word: MASS in the Media
This year, to amplify the importance of getting tested, our very own Keisha Edwards appeared on The Hampton Roads Show on June 26th. She shared the critical message of National HIV Testing Day, encouraging viewers to know their status and take charge of their health. She also highlighted our longstanding partnership with Walgreens, where MASS staff provided free, confidential HIV testing in-store on June 27th to reach as many community members as possible.
Why Getting Tested Matters
Testing is the first step in the journey toward ending HIV. When you get tested:
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You gain peace of mind.
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You protect your partners and loved ones.
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If positive, you can begin treatment early, improving your health outcomes.
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If negative, you can learn about ways to stay protected, including PrEP.
At MASS, we see the impact of days like NHTD firsthand. We provide free testing year-round, and every person who walks through our doors represents hope for a healthier, stronger future.
We Can’t Do This Without You
Here’s the truth: MASS lost thousands in government funding this year. But HIV isn’t waiting for funding to return, and neither are we.
We are committed to keeping our testing, prevention, and outreach services free and accessible for our community. To do this, we need your support.
✅ Donate today to help us continue providing free HIV testing and prevention resources.
✅ Share this blog to encourage others to know their status.
✅ Volunteer your time or skills to uplift our mission.
Every dollar you give brings us closer to an HIV-free generation.
Stand with MASS today – because knowing your status is power, and community power can’t be cut.