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WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire -06/26/12)- The National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) and OraSure Technologies, Inc. (OSUR) announced an expected lineup of speakers who will address a range of issues related to HIV/AIDS at a Hill press conference that will be held 11 a.m. today, in observance of National HIV Testing Day on June 27. This event follows on the heels of the launch of the eighth annual Mayors Campaign Against HIV, a national campaign that promotes HIV testing as part of NHTD.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.2 million individuals in the United States are infected with HIV, yet more than one in five do not know they are positive. Now in its 18th year, NHTD -- founded by NAPWA in 1995 -- is an annual event on June 27 that encourages millions of Americans who are at risk for HIV to receive voluntary HIV counseling and testing.

"The fact that more than one in five HIV-positive Americans are unaware of their HIV status underscores the urgent need for increased testing and immediate connection to care for those who test positive," said Frank Oldham, Jr., President and CEO of NAPWA. "NAPWA first established NHTD in 1995 because we understood that getting tested makes a huge difference in fighting HIV, treating it early, preventing spread of the disease and reducing stigma. Now in our 18th year of NHTD, we recognize that barriers to testing, treatment and prevention persist but we remain committed to overcoming them through empowerment and education. We thank both OraSure Technologies and Gilead Sciences for being ongoing partners in efforts to ensure more Americans get tested, know their HIV status and receive the care and treatment they need."

NAPWA's press conference -- hosted by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) -- will take place 11 a.m. today at the House Triangle on the House side of the East Front of the Capitol. The following speakers are expected:

NAPWA has also invited members of Congress to take the test at a mobile HIV testing van from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today, located at New Jersey Ave. & C St. SE, adjacent to Lot 1 behind the Cannon House Office Building.

To cover tomorrow's press conference, arrange an interview, or for general questions, contact NAPWA Special Assistant to the President and CEO Paul DeMiglio at PDeMiglio@napwa.org or by phone at 240.247.1018.

About the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA)

Founded in 1983, NAPWA is the largest and oldest advocacy organization for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and the most trusted voice in the HIV/AIDS community that advocates for the lives and dignity of all people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, especially the more than 1.2 million Americans who live with it today. NAPWA has several initiatives designed to promote access to and the utilization of HIV prevention and treatment and reduce stigma towards HIV-positive people. More information on NAPWA and National HIV Testing Day can be found by clicking here: http://bit.ly/Me2qFm.

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