National Clinicians HIV/AIDS Testing and Awareness Day July 21, 2008
Clinicians nationally will be asked to take an HIV test, personally demonstrating the importance as
well as the ease of regular testing. Participating clinicians, by example, can help to reduce the stigma
associated with HIV testing.
Clinicians are also asked to increase their awareness about counseling and testing and other related
support service locations within their communities, where they may refer patients.
Research shows that stigma by clinicians can exacerbate feelings of isolation and prevent individuals
from coming forward to be tested and access health services. This delays early detection, referral,
treatment and counseling. Once diagnosed, stigma may also prevent patients from staying into care.
Raising sensitivity to this issue and confronting other cultural and societal barriers to care should
increase the capacity of healthcare providers to diagnose, refer, and treat patients who have HIV. As
community leaders, clinicians and other healthcare providers can take a powerful step toward reducing
stigma by taking an HIV test and by increasing their awareness about HIV care.
For more information on how you can help to erase stigma associated with HIV testing and become
vocal advocates for patients, please contact NMAETC at 202-865-8146 or visit our web site at
www.nmaetc.org or http://www.cliniciansgettested.info.
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