The National Association of People with AIDS and OraSure Technologies launch eighth Mayor's Campaign against HIV for National HIV Testing Day on June 27

NAPWA Press Release
June 22, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 22, 2012 – The National  Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) and OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSUR) announced today the launch of the eighth annual Mayors Campaign Against HIV™, a national campaign to encourage testing for HIV and promote the benefits of knowing one’s HIV status. The Campaign is part of the annual observance of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) on Wednesday, June 27, 2012.

NAPWA and OraSure Technologies are collaborating with city public health departments and community-based organizations across the country to recruit mayors to support HIV testing and prevention in their cities and towns and to “Take the Test, Take Control.” This year’s campaign is focused on the nation’s cities where the burden of HIV is greatest and working with public health departments to increase testing and linking those individuals who are positive into care.

“There are more reasons than ever this year to get tested and know your HIV status,” said Frank Oldham, Jr., President and CEO of NAPWA. “Testing is the first critical step to ensuring that people who are HIV-positive get connected to care. HIV treatments are becoming more effective with fewer side effects. People in treatment are living more normal lives with longer life expectancy. By knowing your status, you can begin effective treatment, protect yourself and be less likely to infect others.”

Now in its 18th year, NHTD – founded by NAPWA in 1995 – is an annual event on June 27 that encourages millions of Americans who are at risk for HIV to receive voluntary HIV counseling and testing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.2 million individuals in the United States are infected with HIV, yet more than one in five do not know they are positive.

“Each year, National HIV Testing Day brings together thousands of local health departments, community organizations and HIV/AIDS advocacy groups nationwide to encourage early diagnosis and routine testing for HIV/AIDS, and the Mayors Campaign Against HIV™ helps to further support this mission,” Oldham continued. “NHTD is an opportunity for People Living with HIV/AIDS to take a leadership role in ending the epidemic by educating their communities on the need for testing.”

The following public events will serve as an opportunity for elected officials, community leaders and HIV advocates to observe NHTD by Taking the Test, Taking Control:

• NAPWA is inviting members of Congress to take the test at a mobile HIV testing van from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, located at New Jersey Ave. & C St. SE, adjacent to Lot 1 behind the Cannon House Office Building.
• NAPWA is sponsoring a press conference – hosted by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) – which will take place 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 26, at the House Triangle on the House side of the East Front of the Capitol. Speakers will include lawmakers, public health officials and HIV advocates.
• NAPWA, OraSure Technologies and New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation will open the NASDAQ Stock Market at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 27 – NHTD – and then join public officials to take the test at 9:30 a.m. that day in Community Healthcare Network’s mobile van in Times Square.

To cover one or more of these events, arrange an interview, or for general questions, contact NAPWA Special Assistant to the President and CEO Paul DeMiglio at PDeMiglio@napwa.org or by phone at 240.247.1018.

About the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA)Founded in 1983, NAPWA is the largest and oldest advocacy organization for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and the most trusted voice in the HIV/AIDS community that advocates for the lives and dignity of all people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, especially the more than 1.2 million Americans who live with it today. NAPWA has several initiatives designed to promote access to and the utilization of HIV prevention and treatment and reduce stigma towards HIV-positive people. More information on NAPWA and National HIV Testing Day can be found by clicking here: http://bit.ly/Me2qFm