NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — More than 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV – including about 156,300 who don’t realize it, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (link will open in a new window)
Nationwide, about 87% of Americans with HIV know they are infected, according to the report. That figure is based on data from the 41 states (plus the District of Columbia) where at least 60 people were diagnosed with HIV each year between 2008 and 2012, on average.
The state with the lowest rate of HIV-infection awareness was Louisiana, where only 77% of those with the virus knew that they had it, according to the L.A. Times.
While June 27 is National HIV Testing Day, you don’t have to wait that long. Walgreens and the Greater Than Foundation are offering free testing Friday afternoon at several locations in our area. Find out more at greaterthan.org. (link will open in a new window)