Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging residents to get tested for HIV as part of National HIV Testing Day on June 27. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in seven people with HIV in the United States are unaware of their status. In Michigan, one in five individuals diagnosed with HIV since 2022 had late-stage diagnoses, indicating they had been living with the disease unknowingly for years.

The CDC emphasizes that more than 90% of new HIV cases could be prevented through proper testing, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing preventive care. To address this issue, MDHHS has launched "Ending HIV Together: Michigan’s Equitable Plan," aiming to reduce new infections by 90% by 2030.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive at MDHHS, stated, “Knowing your HIV status is a powerful step toward protecting your health and the health of others.” She highlighted that testing is fast, easy, confidential, and forms the foundation of their statewide commitment to ending the epidemic.

The CDC recommends that everyone aged 13 and older should be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare. Those engaging in condomless sex or injection drug use should consider more frequent testing. Individuals who test negative are encouraged to discuss pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with their healthcare provider—a medication that prevents infection if exposed to the virus.

For those living with HIV, achieving an undetectable viral load through prescribed medication can prevent transmission. In Michigan during 2024, 81% of diagnosed individuals received care and 73% achieved viral suppression.

Free or reduced-cost testing and treatment resources are available across Michigan. Information on locations can be found at Michigan.gov/HIVSTI. Additionally, TakeMeHome offers free in-home self-testing options for eligible residents in certain ZIP codes. Residents can also access services via Michigan 211.