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VA Reaffirms Commitment to HIV Prevention

by Jennifer Hoops
June 27, 2011

As part of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the VA is encouraging veterans to take advantage of testing services available to them at VA facilities around the country.

According to federal experts, routine HIV testing should be part of basic medical care for all Americans.

VA encourages HIV testing for all veterans

VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki urged all veterans to get tested for HIV, emphasizing that early detection saves lives. The VA's goal is to diagnose HIV in veterans as soon as possible so that they can get the care they need to stay healthy.

According to Dr. Robert Petzel, the VA Under Secretary for Health, the VA has participated in HIV care since the first cases of HIV/AIDS in 1981, and "has continued to provide compassionate, excellent care ever since, providing the latest, best treatments as they are made available." The VA cares for 24,000 veterans with HIV each year.

For more information on VA and HIV, refer to the press release "VA Urging Veterans to Get Tested on National HIV Testing Day."

 

 

About the Author

Jennifer Hoops works as a project manager within the IT organization of a global manufacturing company. Her previous experience includes IT consulting and software sales. Prior to earning an MBA and becoming an IT professional, Jennifer earned a Bachelors degree in Economics and Music and spent several years as an independent music teacher.

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