ICYMI: Serving Up Digital Communication Resources for #HIVTestingDay

By: HIV.gov | Published: June 20, 2017

AIDS.gov serves our readers in part by supporting their communication with their target audiences about the importance of knowing one’s HIV status. One example: we annually post a blog before National HIV Testing Day (NHTD - June 27) with digital resources for this important communication.

This year’s NHTD theme is “Test Your Way. Do It Today.” The theme is consistent with the messages of CDC’s Doing It campaign which emphasizes the importance of HIV testing for all people ages 18 to 64 and encourages all adults to get tested for HIV.

Visuals for HIV Awareness

The HIV.gov NHTD page curates Federal resources such as the logo and fact sheets, resources, downloads, and other materials. We also offer community resources and campaigns, such as the Greater Than AIDS NHTD resources and videos .

AIDS.gov will soon share several images on our channels (Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram ). We hope you will put these images on your website and social media. CDC offers social media images and graphics for NHTD, with more to come.

Positive Spin is a set of stories and videos that speak to the importance of knowing one’s HIV status and getting and staying in care. It’s a visual resource that can help you foster conversation about knowing your status and connecting to care. And, we encourage you to check out CDC’s Doing It campaign videos.

Social Media

This year there’s a new hashtag to use: #HIVTestingDay. We are also seeing some continued use of #NHTD.

Here are some selected channels to follow:

HIV.gov

CDC

Facebook: Act Against AIDS , CDC HIV , and Start Talking. Stop HIV.
Twitter: @DrMerminCDC, @TalkHIV, @CDC_HIV/AIDS
Instagram @actagainstaids
Pinterest: Preventing HIV and STDs
YouTube: HIV/AIDS and STDs playlist

Communication About HIV Testing

CDC offers a wealth of resources that answers common questions about HIV testing, including the types of tests available, where to get one, and what to expect when you get tested. Be sure to check out the questions and answers from CDC in their HIV basics pages and the HIV Risk Reduction Tool. It’s a resource to help individuals learn about how to protect themselves and get information tailored to meet their own needs.

CDC’s NHTD posters, banners, and social media from past years are currently available, and this year’s resources will soon be available. CDC’s digital resources include videos from the Doing It campaign, the campaign banner and graphics.

The AIDS.gov HIV basics section includes images and narrative that explain many aspects of HIV. Our content addresses the difference between HIV and AIDS, describes HIV test types and testing frequency, and describes confidential and anonymous testing. Additional content covers much of what could be on the minds of your audience as they consider testing.

Here’s a good- to- know fact: Federal web content can be freely copied and distributed. (Please attribute our content to HIV.gov).

Find HIV Testing And Care

With the HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator your audience can find an HIV test and much more, including services for mental health, substance abuse, housing, family planning, etc. Your clients can also use our mobile app. You can share this video to explain how the app works. If you want more website content, here’s how to add the Locator widget.

Here are more ways to find an HIV testing location: call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636), visit gettested.cdc.gov, or text your ZIP code to “KNOW IT” (566948).