Why you should encourage your employees to get tested for HIV 

One of the most important ways employers can help end HIV is by reducing barriers to HIV testing. It’s sobering to realize that 80% of new HIV infections are transmitted by people who are not aware they have HIV or are not receiving any HIV care. That stat really underscores the importance of HIV testing.

Getting tested for HIV and making it part of a healthcare routine is an important step in protecting oneself and others. A good place to start is by building awareness and improving access.

The Health Action Alliance is hosting a virtual workshop on May 21 that will provide the information and tools you need to make an impact on National HIV Testing Day (June 27). Organizations can leverage National HIV Testing Day to educate employees about HIV, normalize testing and foster a workplace culture of inclusion and understanding for those impacted by HIV. 

Rapid, non-intrusive HIV tests can be done without needles, and results are available within 20 minutes or less. For workers who prefer to self-test at home, the collaborative health program Together TakeMeHome provides up to two free HIV self-tests every 90 days to anyone in the US ages 17 or older. Employees can be encouraged to request a test for themselves and a friend. 

Employers can find a suite of free resources on the Health Action Alliance website. Join Mercer and the greater community of companies committed to ending the HIV epidemic. Together, we’ll learn, innovate and collaborate to achieve the greatest impact. Find out more at healthaction.org/endhiv.