Study shows only 40% of U.S. tested for HIV; HIV/AIDS grants awarded

Fewer than 40% of the U.S. population has been tested for HIV, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported yesterday, although the agency recommends everyone aged 13-64 get tested at least once. The Health Resources and Services Administration also announced nearly $1 million in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grants to counties battling the epidemic. Eight of the 10 counties receiving up to $100,000 are in the 50 local jurisdictions where the CDC study identified more than half of HIV diagnoses and where only 35% of high-risk individuals were tested. Grants will go toward community engagement, enhancing core medical and support services, infrastructure support and information dissemination efforts. “As we encourage those at risk for HIV to seek care, we need to meet them in their journey,” said CDC Director Robert Redfield, M.D. “This means clearing the path of stigma, finding more comfortable ways of delivering health services, as well as learning from individuals already in treatment so the journey becomes easier for others who follow.”