By Mark Randall
National HIV Testing Day is observed every year on June 27. It is a day to promote HIV testing and remind people of the importance of knowing their HIV status. The first National HIV Testing Day was held in 1995, and since then, it’s grown into an opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and increase access to care across the country.
The theme for this year is “HIV Testing is Self-Care”—a reminder that getting tested is about taking care of yourself. It’s about making your health a priority, getting the information you need, and having the chance to connect to support and care if needed.
What Is the Cascade of Care?
When someone tests positive, the goal is to quickly link them to what’s called the cascade of care, which includes treatment, medical support, and community resources. We know that early diagnosis makes a big difference. When people start treatment early, they can live long, full lives.
Today, HIV is a manageable condition. With the proper medication—which now often comes with few or no side effects—people living with HIV can stay healthy, plan for families, and eliminate the risk of passing HIV on to others. This is known as U=U, or undetectable = untransmittable.
Why HIV Testing Still Matters
There are still many people in Canada who don’t know their HIV status. Some have never been offered a test, some don’t think they’re at risk, and others have had bad experiences with healthcare or don’t feel safe accessing services. That’s where days like this come in—to help bridge those gaps and meet people where they’re at.
Testing events and outreach efforts matter. They help us connect with folks who might be:
- Disconnected from care
- Uncomfortable or fearful in clinical settings
- Unsure if testing is for them
- Facing stigma, discrimination, or barriers
There are many reasons to get tested—and many benefits that come from it.
1. Knowing Your Status is Powerful
Getting tested is the first step toward getting care. An early diagnosis gives you more options and better health outcomes. It can also prevent future transmission. And if you test negative, it gives you peace of mind and a chance to talk about HIV prevention tools like PrEP.
2. It Helps Break Down Stigma
The more people get tested and talk about HIV openly, the less stigma there is. Testing doesn’t mean something is wrong—it means you care about your health. Days like this help show that HIV testing is for everyone, not just specific communities.
3. It Increases Access to Testing
On National HIV Testing Day, we see pop-up clinics, outreach vans, and community events that make testing more convenient. It’s not just about going to a doctor’s office—it’s about bringing care to where people feel comfortable. That might be a shelter, a Pride event, a campus, or a harm reduction site.
4. It Supports Underserved Communities
HIV testing days are especially important for folks who are often underserved—people who are unhoused, incarcerated, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers, women, and others facing systemic barriers. These events offer free, quick, and confidential testing, often leading to faster connections to ongoing support.
So… Have You Been Tested?
If you haven’t been tested recently—or ever—now’s a great time to start. And if you have questions or don’t know where to go, we’ve got you.
SafeLink Alberta offers HIV testing across southern Alberta in accessible, judgment-free, and centred-on-your-needs ways. Whether you want to book a test, find a drop-in, or talk to someone first, we’re here to help.
Visit our testing page to find the right option for you.
Final Thoughts
National HIV Testing Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder that everyone deserves access to care, dignity, and information. Testing is a personal act, but it also connects us to our communities. It’s about self-care, health equity, and collective action.
We all have a role to play. Whether you’re getting tested, sharing resources, or encouraging a friend to check in on their health, you’re part of the movement.