New Push for HIV Testing for More Americans [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD - There's a new push to make testing for the HIV/AIDS virus as common as cholesterol checks.  An independent panel that sets screening guidelines is proposing all Americans ages 15 to 64 get an HIV test at least once - not just people considered at high risk.

Charles Hempeck is the Executive Director of the Rural AIDS Action Network based in St. Cloud.  He says getting an HIV test is a very simple procedure.

He says, thanks to advances in medicine, more people are living with the disease.

Hempeck says the Rural AIDS Action Network does about 500 HIV tests a year statewide.

The Rural AIDS Action Network offers the tests for free, and they are confidential.

The Centers for Disease Control says less than half of all adults under 65 have been tested.

Rural AIDS Action Network:
1-800-966-9735
300 East St. Germain St.
St. Cloud MN