April 19th – We Support National Transgender HIV Testing Day at Georgia Gwinnett College

Posted on April 15th, 2019

Each year on April 18, National Transgender HIV Testing Day is observed as an opportunity to focus on HIV testing, prevention, and treatment among transgender people. It encourages local testing events and testing campaigns to increase HIV status awareness in transgender populations.

GNR Health Departments has specially trained health professionals on transgender sensitivity, health issues, and healthcare needed to help individuals feel safe and supported when getting tested for HIV. On Friday, April 19th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Georgia Gwinnett College Building F, our team of HIV Prevention professionals will be providing information on HIV, FREE HIV testing, and support to prevent or treat HIV. Georgia Gwinnett College is located at 1000 University Center Ln, Lawrenceville, GA 30043.

It is estimated that around 1.4 million adults identify as transgender, a term that is defined as being a person whose gender identity differs from the sex the person had at birth. This means a person who is born a male at birth and who then identifies as a woman is a transgender women. Transgender women are at a high risk of having HIV and becoming infected with HIV. According to the CDC, 22-28% of transgender women are living with HIV and more than 56% of black/African American transgender of women are living with HIV.

While HIV stigma can affect everyone regardless of race, sex, orientation, and color. Transgender populations have a unique set of challenges that prevent these individuals from getting the healthcare they need. Research on transgender populations is limited and only a few health care providers receive proper training or are knowledgably about transgender health issues. This can influence transgender populations to avoid healthcare access. Join GNR Health Departments to end stigma of HIV among transgender individuals and encourage individuals to get information, tested, and treatment.

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