"Looking to end HIV doesn't mean ending people's lives" | Advocates offer education, resources, support, and screenings on National HIV Testing Day

WASHINGTON — WUSA9 continues to celebrate Pride showcasing efforts to keep our neighbors safe. Thursday was National HIV Testing Day. D.C. advocates spent the day in the community offering free testing, education, and resources.

The day was not only about education, but a celebration of a major milestone in the District of Columbia. Five years ago, 2.8% of our neighbors were living with HIV; today that number is down to 1.8% according to the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs. Advocates said that is not only due to advances in medicine, but in outreach events that destigmatize the testing process.

Outreach workers staged by the U Street Metro and 13th and U streets, Northwest to reach the most people with a life-saving message on National HIV Testing Day.

DC Health, the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, and Walgreens partnered to offer free HIV and STD screenings.

“Looking to end HIV doesn’t mean we’re looking to end people,” said Japer Bowles, director of LGBTQ+ Affairs, “we still know there are still infections that happen in DC and in America but like you said it isn’t life ending.”  

Director Bowles was leading the charge Thursday, by example: signing up to take his free HIV test at Walgreens. New advances mean with one prick, you know your status within seconds. 

Improved access, education, and technology are saving lives.

“That really has made from people taking a pill daily, to months, and just recently new technology to have two shots a year,” explained Bowles, “If you only have to do twice a year it’s a better opportunity for people to take it. Now we’re focusing on people most vulnerable and continuing to relay the message that it’s not over with and focus on the people living with HIV and focusing on their stories.”

D.C. has the highest per capita LGTBQ+ community in the country and Bowles said with that comes support, partnerships, and resources.

“D.C. is District of Pride! It’s not like that nationally so we want to continue to lead the nation,” he said.

Outreach workers offered free screenings from noon to 7 p.m. at 13th and U streets, Northwest on Thursday. The day of outreach was capped off with a free showcase celebrating DC Pride at the Lincoln Theatre 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. D.C. hosts World Pride 2025 May 23 to June 8 with expected crowds up to 2 million people.