Rutgers begins ‘Ask for an HIV Test’ campaign

Experts from the Rutgers School of Nursing’s François-Xavier Bagnoud Center are calling for more individuals to get tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Their campaign, “Ask for an HIV Test,” aims to help with this goal, according to an announcement.

Rutgers recently published a Q&A with campaign leaders Jamie Steiger and Judith Collins, providing an overview of their work and why it’s important. Key points:

• The campaign is supported by the New Jersey Department of Health and educates the public about HIV testing.
• HIV testing should be as much of a priority as getting your hair or nails done.
• The campaign aims to reduce stigma around HIV testing.
• Advertisements for “Ask for an HIV Test” have been visible to more than 11 million people via their everyday platforms such as social media and streaming.

“Ask for an HIV Test” will run through the end of this month, finishing right after National HIV Testing Day. Rutgers emphasized, “The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested – and knowing your status gives you power over your health.”