Keeping It Real National HIV Testing Day, at the NIA Center which promotes testing as an important strategy to prevent and treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was held on June 30, 2016. Persons who learn that they have HIV can receive appropriate treatment, monitoring, and health care, and in doing so, delay disease progression, extend their lives, and reduce the chance that they will transmit the virus to others by being tested and if found positive linked to care by KIR team. It is the vision of Keeping It Real (KIR) to increase HIV testing, improve awareness of HIV status, and enable earlier diagnosis of HIV infection. Following the CDC recommendation that all persons aged 13–64 years be screened for HIV with prevalence of undiagnosed HIV infection is a key component of Keeping It Real. Keeping It Real like the CDC recommends that persons with increased risk for HIV be retested at least annually. Rev. Bo Stillwell, CEO
This Event was a major step in the right direction. Knocking Down Some of the barriers concerning permanent testing sights in The West end community. The staff and myself had an amazing day testing over forty people; it gave me great joy knowing I was a part of helping people gain knowledge about H.I.V. This testing event brought the entire team closer, putting everyone on the same page and striving to reach the same goal to test as many people as possible. I am looking forward to our next major testing event and spreading awareness of H.I.V/Aids. Morris Gibson, Non-Medical Case Manager
On June 30 2016, Keeping It Real Neighborhood Institute did free HIV testing. It was my first time being a part of National HIV testing Day. I felt like I was doing something important for my community. Seeing our people come in to get their status make me feel good. It’s nothing better than knowing your HIV status. We had a total of 45 people get tested. I wish it was more but I’m happy we had that. The day was filled with nothing but joy and happiness. I love to help others and let them know about HIV in our community. Can’t wait till our next event to spread awareness. Until then make sure you stay protected and safe. XAVIER MATTHEWS, Intake Specialist
I felt that our outreach to the community made an impact, not only to the people tested, but to our entire staff. It was good to feel the positive energy. There’s a great work to be done. Steven Bronson, EIS/NM Support
National HIV Testing Day or (NHTD) was a great success here at the NIA Center testing over 40 individuals and helping Kentucky become a place where new HIV infections are rare, and when they do occur, every person, regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic circumstance, will have unfettered access to high quality, life-extending care, free from stigma and discrimination. Keeping It Real located here at the Nia Center provides access to preventive services like free HIV testing at places like the without a co-pay or deductible. People living with HIV can no longer be discriminated against because of their HIV status! DeAldrey Thompson, EIS Coordinator
