1. HIV Testing Why are you scared?

2. Getting tested is easier then ever

3. Why You should get tested HIV tests are rapidly becoming a critical component of prevention efforts, along with traditional programs designed to teach people most at risk to protect themselves. Knowing one's HIV status is one of the most powerful motivators of behavior change," Gerberding said. "Most people who know they're HIV-positive take appropriate steps to protect their partners."

4. Who HIV Affects EVERYONE! About 300 of those who get HIV each year are newborns whose mothers haven't been tested and don't know they're infected. At least one-half of all new HIV infections are estimated to be among those under the age of 25. The number of new HIV cases has hovered at about 40,000 a year for the past decade.

5. Why are you scared? Statistics Social Stigmas for those who are ill with the disease Before HIV awareness, many people were viewed negatively because of their illness. The disease was viewed as a “divine punishment for moral misconduct” and they were made social outcasts

6. There were many documented cases where doctors refused to treat patients with certain sexual diseases In 1999, a survey showed that 1 in 5 Americans feared those with HIV or aids. 1 in 6 admitted that they felt disgusted with those who contracted the virus

7. Many Americans believe for the most part, those who contracted HIV deserve it. Receiving aids is associated with homosexuality (another social stigma) In most states, most minors have to have parental consent to be tested Confidentiality Reaction of partners

8. HIV is preventable

9. Testing Alternatives Anonymous Testing Confidentiality Tested without consent

10. Alternatives to Detection Donate Blood Apply for health insurance

11. What does this have to do with science??? Approximately 40,000 new HIV infections occur each year in the United States. Research is needed to find a way to slow down this epidemic. AIDS Research begins at prevention of the disease and scientists who find the ways to do so.

12. More then half of those who will get HIV this year are under 25