The Enduring Importance of National HIV Testing Day
HIV is still a threat. Every year in the U.S., tens of thousands of people acquire the virus. The only way HIV becomes a manageable condition is to find out you have it. If you do, get treatment so you can become undetectable and untransmittable (U=U). If you don’t, get on PrEP to protect yourself and those you love.
Many people today mistakenly believe HIV is no longer a concern. This misconception arises from the reduced visibility of the epidemic in media, successful prevention measure such as PrEP (daily oral medication, or long-acting injectables), and the substantial progress made in medical treatments that allow those with HIV to live long, healthy lives.
However, HIV remains a significant global health issue, with new infections occurring daily and many individuals unaware of their status. This ongoing challenge underscores the importance of National HIV Testing Day, observed annually on June 27.
Initiated in 1995 by the National Association of People with AIDS, this day serves as a critical reminder that knowing your HIV status is a crucial step in managing and preventing the spread of the virus. The day is marked by efforts from health care providers, community organizations, and public health entities — like DAP Health throughout Southern California — to make testing more accessible and to educate the public about the benefits of early detection.
Why Get Tested
There are several compelling reasons to get tested for HIV, whether it’s your first time or a routine checkup. First, early detection of HIV can significantly improve health outcomes. Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, preventing the progression to AIDS and allowing individuals to lead normal lives. Early treatment also reduces the likelihood of transmitting the virus to others, as those with an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting HIV to HIV-negative partners. Undetectable = Untransmittable. Or U = U.
Secondly, knowing your HIV status is empowering, as it enables you to make informed decisions about your health and take proactive measures. For those who test negative, it’s an opportunity to reinforce protective behaviors and consider preventive options such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that not only significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV, but that comes in a daily oral pill or a long-acting injectable form.
HIV does not discriminate, and everyone who is sexually active should consider regular testing as part of their routine health care.
Reducing Stigma
National HIV Testing Day helps combat stigma by normalizing the conversation about HIV and encouraging a collective responsibility toward ending the epidemic.
At each of DAP Health’s three sexual wellness clinics (in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Indio), patients are guaranteed a stigma-and-shame-free experience when it comes to getting tested for HIV. If a patient receives a positive diagnosis, options for treatment are immediately discussed with them. And if they’re negative, there are PrEP navigators at the ready to discuss every HIV prevention option.
This year, in an effort to reduce societal stigma, DAP Health is encouraging people who choose to get tested to do so with a platonic friend or sexual partner. This buddy system is a form of support that doubles the impact of National HIV Testing Day.
How to Get a Free HIV Test at DAP Health
There are two ways to get an HIV test at no cost at DAP Health. The first is to visit one of our three sexual wellness clinics (in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Indio). The other is to request that an HIV self-test be discreetly mailed to your home.
Knowing one’s HIV status is still crucial. It’s a step toward protecting one’s health and the health of others, contributing to the broader goal of ending the HIV epidemic.
Get tested with DAP Health on, before, or after National HIV Testing Day (June 27). And regularly thereafter. Protect yourself, protect others, and play a part in ending the epidemic.
DAP Health National HIV Testing Day 2026 Events
Community Health team members will be offering free rapid HIV tests (blood draw via one finger prick; results in 20 minutes) or HIV self-test kits — plus incentives and other resources — on the dates and at the times and locations below. No appointment necessary.
Friday, June 26
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
San Jacinto Health Center
651 North State, Suite 5
San Jacinto, CA 92583
Stonewall Medical Center
68555 Ramon Road
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Coachella Valley Community Health Center
49869 Calhoun Street
Coachella, CA 92236
DAP Health Sunrise
1695 North Sunrise Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
DAP Health Mobile Health Unit
Arenas Block Party
Between Hunters and Streetbar
Saturday, June 27
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Revivals Palm Springs
611 South Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Free HIV self-test kits and outreach resources only
Revivals Cathedral City
68401 Highway 111
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Free HIV self-test kits and outreach resources only
DAP Health Mobile Unit
Revivals Palm Desert
72885 Highway 111
Palm Desert, CA 92260
If you can’t come see us to get a free HIV test on either June 26 or 27, please click here to learn more about how to get tested at no cost at DAP Health.
