May 3, 2021

Dear National HIV Testing Day Partners,

On June 27th each year, we observe National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) to emphasize and encourage HIV testing. This year, we observe NHTD as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create challenges for our communities, public health departments, and healthcare facilities. As we approach NHTD, we also recognize June as Pride month, and on June 5th, we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first MMWR report on what would come to be known as AIDS. Highlighting these significant events, even as the response to COVID-19 continues, is important as we work toward our goal to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. 

This year, the NHTD theme is “My Test, My Way,” emphasizing that there are different ways and places to get tested for HIV, including at home with a self-test. The theme provides opportunities to talk about the testing options available and to empower audiences to choose based on their preferences and convenience. HIV testing is easy, fast, confidential, and safe, and HIV self-tests can be done when and where an individual chooses. Right now, many local health departments and community-based organizations, as well as CDC, are distributing free HIV self-testing kitsExit Disclaimer, a program funded in part by the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative.

Using this theme, partners can add a tagline to customize as they like.  For example: 

• My Test, My Way – My contribution to Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.
• My Test, My Way – Take Pride by taking the test
• My Test, My Way – We can be the generation to end the HIV epidemic
• My Test, My Way – If we all get tested, we can stop HIV together 
• My Test, My Way – No matter your test result, there are options to help you stay healthy

As part of NHTD, please use the hashtag #HIVTesting Day on your social media channels and communicate to your audiences that there are many options they can use to get tested for HIV. Testing, including self-testing, is one of the many tools we have at our disposal for ending the HIV epidemic. We are closer to reaching this goal than we have ever been. We appreciate all that you contribute to reaching it together.

Thank you for your support of this year’s National HIV Testing Day!

Harold J. Phillips, MRP
Senior HIV Advisor and Chief Operating Officer for Ending the HIV Epidemic
Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy
Office of Assistant Secretary for Health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Jonathan H. Mermin, MD, MPH
Rear Admiral and Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS
Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/nchhstp