Saturday, June 27th is National HIV/Aids Testing Day

June is National HIV/Aids Awareness month. Saturday, June 27th is National HIV/Aids Testing Day. This disease is still spreading rampantly. It has not “gone away”! It hasn’t been at the forefront of the media as in the past so some people think that this isn’t a problem anymore. That is pure ignorance. It is a huge epidemic and one that is ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE!!! With education and support this is a disease that can be controlled and not spread but it takes hard work to get the word out and to get people the education they need to protect themselves and the ones they love.

This starts at home. Many of the lessons we teach our children begin at home and this should be a main priority on your list. HIV/Aids does not discriminate. It is not just a gay man’s disease, it is not for “dirty” people or druggies, it is not something from third world countries. It happens to ALL kinds of people and it continues to grow at a rapid rate daily.

I happen to have an extremely open mind when it comes to many things in my home. My children are NOT allowed to use the word retarded , use any kind of gay or racial slurs, or make derogatory remarks regarding someone’s religion or culture. Everyone is equal in our home. Period. The world is made up of all kinds of people and to deny that is absurd. I also talk to my children openly and honestly about sex, HIV/Aids, and racial issues. As a parent these are hard conversations to have but are necessary ones. The “sex talk” and the HIV/Aids go hand in hand because it is a reality we live with every day. We have to teach our children to protect themselves through abstinence or safe sex – whatever works in your home discuss it.

Last night I attended a documentary screening called “Let Us Not Forget” and it dealt with people here in Indiana who are living everyday HIV positive. There were all genders, races, and cultures represented. There were mothers and fathers, brothers, sisters, and children infected with this disease. They have lost family, friends, and support all around them. They have been the outcasts at every event or disregarded in their own towns and homes. Some even contracted this disease prior to anyone really understanding what it truly is and had no support at all in the medical field as well with the rest of the population of the world.

Prevention is KEY! Saturday, June 27th around the country there will be hundreds of sites conducting FREE HIV/Aids screenings. I know it’s scary. Some people think that since there is no real “cure” yet then why even find out your status? YOU MUST. It can be controlled and you can live a normal life being HIV positive. But you have to take that first step and get tested. It’s painless and it doesn’t take much time out of your day. And it won’t take money out of your pocket.

I am proud to know my status. I will even go with someone to get tested if they need a friend or need a ride or I will try and find you one in your city. It is that important! Do it for yourself and the ones you love and for the ones who love you! Ignorance is NOT bliss!

BFSO is a proud supporter of National HIV/Aids Testing Day and encourages all of its readers to GO GET TESTED! For a full list of FREE HIV/Aids Testing Sites here in Indianapolis, Indiana go to www.aestheticdesignstyle.com .