We are in the third decade of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. More than 65 million people worldwide have become infected, including over 25 million who have already died. Globally, about half of those newly infected each year are under the age of 25. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is on track to be one of the worst epidemics in human history and, millions more people could become infected by the end of this decade alone, if more is not done. But HIV is preventable.

In the U.S., AIDS cases have been reported in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories.  More than 550,000 Americans with AIDS have already died and over 1 million Americans are currently living with HIV/AIDS. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 4 Americans with HIV do not know they are infected. The only way to know for sure is to get tested. It's important to know your status.

People of color now represent the majority of new HIV infections, new AIDS cases, and people living with AIDS in the U.S. Although Black Americans represent 12% of the U.S. population, they account for 50% of new AIDS diagnoses; Latinos represent 14% of the U.S. population, and 19% of AIDS diagnoses.

Young people, especially young women and young people of color, have been particularly affected by the epidemic. Young Black Americans represented 69% of AIDS cases reported among 13-19 years olds in 2005; Latino teens represented 17%.

Here at Drexel University College of Medicine located at St. Christopher’s Hospital, we offer free and confidential Rapid & Standard HIV testing. No appointment is necessary.