Sebelius promotes HIV testing

The White House on Friday threw its considerable weight behind a national campaign to encourage HIV/AIDS testing. 

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that National HIV Testing Day, which arrives Sunday, marks "a critical opportunity for all of us to talk about HIV and encourage HIV testing."

"We are nearly 30 years into the HIV epidemic, and more than one million Americans are living with HIV," Sebelius said in a statement. "Knowing your HIV status helps you take control of your health, protect your loved ones, and get connected to treatment, if needed."

Congress is in on the act as well. On Capitol Hill this morning, members of the Congressional Black Caucus — including Democratic Reps. Barbara Lee (Calif.), Maxine Waters (Calif.) and Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas) and Dels. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.) and Donna Christensen (Virgin Islands) — will also trumpet the benefits of early HIV testing.