July 12, 2013
Have you been tested? In a recent article by NJ.com, the U.S. Center for Disease Control estimates that only 40% of American adults have been tested for HIV. This number needs improvement, advocates say, as 32% of HIV patients are diagnosed long after the disease has progressed. National HIV Testing Day (June 27) is designed to facilitate early detection and provide health and social services. Prevention and support programs that participate in free testing services also work to reduce the spread of illness, provide access to preventative services and eliminate the stigma around HIV. This year, at a Jersey City testing site sponsored by Live Out Loud, program manager Quincy Bell put it simply: “Everyone should know where they stand with HIV.”
Over 36,600 people in NJ are living with HIV/AIDS. In an effort to meet the health and social challenges that this presents, CFNJ functions as a co-convening organization and fund manager for the NJ AIDS Partnership – the only charitable giving fund in New Jersey that is solely committed to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As a collaborative effort supported by a variety of stakeholders, the NJ AIDS Partnership works with CFNJ to designate and support grantees, coordinate funding and support effective intervention.
CFNJ is gathering funds to support this important work. Access your DonorsChoose account or email Hans at hdekker@cfnj.org if you would like to contribute.