On World AIDS Day Planned Parenthood Highlights the Importance of Getting Tested

For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014

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In commemoration of World AIDS Day and highlighting the importance of AIDS testing, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and Planned Parenthood of New York City provided free HIV testing from a mobile testing van in Washington Square Park in New York City.

The event was part of the ongoing Get Yourself Tested, or GYT campaign, a partnership between MTV, the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Planned Parenthood and its nationwide network of health centers.

In addition, Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country hosted AIDS testing and education events in their local communities.

Destiny Lopez, director of Latino Engagement, PPFA, attended the GYT event in New York City and issued the following statement:

“World AIDS Day is an opportunity to educate the public on the importance of getting tested for HIV/AIDS.  It is crucial for all members of the Latino community who are at risk for HIV to get tested. The risk is not limited to our young people.  According to the CDC, HIV/AIDS is now the fifth leading cause of death among Latinos 35–44. Latinos who get tested for sexually transmitted infections are taking a positive step for themselves and their loved ones.”

 

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.