Every Monday Matters: 'Have you been tested?' Make sure the answer is 'Yes'

By Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza

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The question "Have you been tested?" is not something people like to ask ... or be asked. It is certainly not dinner-table conversation and it is hardly something that closest of friends or family members like to bring up. But, at the same time, in the United States, it has become the pink elephant in the room that needs a good pointing-out.

Unfortunately, it is also human nature to not listen to the encouraging warning of "PREVENTABLE." Whether it comes to smoking, drinking and driving, or eating too much, even though it has been ingrained in our minds as to where these devices can lead us, we often still choose to do them. The good news is that sexually transmitted diseases are PREVENTABLE. The challenge then becomes: Are we ready to prevent them?

Alex Wagner of Los Angeles certainly is, and his story is worth sharing.

Unknown - Every Monday Matters for July 6, 2009

Every Monday Matters Web site

Fortunately, for the people who know him (and the casual passers-by), Alex has made it known that he feels it is important for people to know whether or not they are HIV positive. And his actions prove it.

"Over the years, I came to realize that Americans have been desensitized to HIV and AIDS," said Alex. "We still think it is something that only exists in the gay community or in Africa. And this couldn't be further from the truth. So I wanted to bring it to people's attention."

Alex worked with his local church to organize quarterly, free HIV/AIDS testing.

"It was so easy," Alex said. "I simply researched organizations that do free testing and put in a call. They were thrilled with my idea and have been so supported."

Alex works with an organization that brings out a mobile testing unit. Most cosmopolitan areas offer such service. He picks a Sunday, meets the mobile unit in the morning, sets up a sign up table, decorates it with balloons, and the doors open for testing.

"The first time we did this, we only had 23 people sign up to get tested," Alex said. "I was kind of disappointed because the test is so easy now -- no needles involved. But I was committed to do it again and again."

Now, Alex's HIV/AIDS drives bring in nearly 100 people. Somehow, some way, he has made it somewhat matter-of-fact. In other words, "Why wouldn't you?"

"I am not here to try to create an abstinent world," Alex said. "I know that people are sexually active. But I want people to be responsible. People need to know if they are HIV positive or not. I would hope that it would have a pretty dramatic impact on their behavior."

The good news is that of the more than 500 people who have now been tested at Alex's events, not one has gotten a positive result. And, according to Alex, he has now met 500 very relieved people who want to stay "just that way." Testing matters. Don't wait another day.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

1. Call your physician or locate a testing facility near you and make an appointment to get tested for STDs and HIV. Testing is anonymous and can be free of charge.

2. Get the information you need before getting tested. Counseling and support are available to help assess your risks and understand your results.

3. If your test results are negative and you are sexually active, use a condom. Abstinence is always the safest policy.

4. If you test positive, be responsible: get treated and tell your intimate partner. Be honest and give full disclosure.

5. Don't use drugs. If you do, don't share the needle.

We need to take responsibility for transmitting infections and diseases to others. Save lives, money, heartache, and emotional burden by getting tested. If you could prevent yourself from passing along a life-threatening infection, disease, or inconvenience to someone, wouldn't you?

Facts

The U.S. has the highest level of sexually transmitted diseases in the industrialized world, with over 65 million people infected.

19 million new cases of STDs are diagnosed every year.

One in four teens contracts an STD each year.

One in two sexually active people will contract an STD by age 25.

More than $15.3 billion is spent each year to diagnose and treat STDs, excluding HIV.

Nearly 1.2 million people are estimated to have HIV, and 25 percent are unaware of their infection.

50 percent of the population will likely have an STD at some point in life.

STDs and HIV and preventable.

Visit EveryMondayMatters.com to buy the book, get involved, book a speaking engagement/event, and share your stories about making a difference in the world. You matter.