News 12 at 6 o'clock, June 23, 2009

AUGUSTA, Ga.---Every nine and half minutes someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV. National testing day is this Saturday and today city leaders are urging you to get tested.

The CDC estimates one million people are living with HIV but one in five doesn't know it.

It's costs nothing, it's pain-free and you're results come back in twenty minutes. It's a test you can't afford to skip out on.

David Thompson helps people get tested for HIV every day. "My passion is getting the message out to young people and letting them know that they are at risk," says David.

But for David, his message hits close to home. He was infected with HIV in 1989, almost twenty years ago.

"I was infected when I was young and nothing in the world could touch me," says David.

National HIV testing day is this Saturday June, 27th and city leaders are coming together to get the word out.

"If you do not know what your status is, it is very very important for you to know," says Sandra Wimberley the Health Educator with the East Central Health District.

And knowing could help save your life. "Early screening, early detection is the key in the fight against HIV and aids," says Kenneth Bonds, a counselor associate with the Ryan White Program at MCG.

Part of the problem with HIV and aids awareness are the stigmas that health departments all over the country are trying to break down.

"We want folks to realize that HIV is no longer a death sentence. If we know your status we can certainly get you into care and help stop the spread of HIV," says Sandra.

"The hardest part that people have is still the stigma and because of that they tend to isolate themselves or they aren't willing to share with their family when their positive," says David.

For Mayor Deke Copenhaver, the message he's trying to get out is clear and he's talking to you.

"To all the people hopefully watching tonight on the 6 o'clock news: Go get tested!" Says Mayor Copenhaver.

Saturday is National Testing Day. You're encouraged to come out anytime from 10:00 to 2:00 at the National Guard Armory on Milledge Road. Again, it's quick, painless and free. There will also be food and games.