June 27th is National HIV Testing Day and DeviantArt wants to encourage you to seek out your local clinic and get tested this month in two ways! (and yes you can and are encouraged to enter BOTH!)

Talk the Talk:

Create a poster, banner, stamp, emote, or other advertisement designed to encourage people to get out and get tested. It does not have to be exclusively for June 27th! Every day is a great day to get tested and know your status!

Rules for entry:

-Submission of entry to Contests -> HIV testing Day -> Talk the Talk by June 30th at 11:59:59pm

-Work must be original for this contest—no prior deviations allowed

-All mediums allowed—even CSS, film, and literature (visual lit anyone?)

Criteria for judging will include originality, innovation, clarity and effectiveness of message.

Prizes:
First - 1 yr sub & fella plushie
Second - 6 months sub & deviantWEAR tshirt
Third - 3 month sub & emoticon buttons

Judges:


Walk the Walk:

Through July 1st, post a picture of you getting tested for a chance to win one of many raffle prizes! Extra chances will be given to those who bring friends or family along to get tested as well!

Rules:

-You MUST actually get tested; this is largely on the honor system here, but we trust you!

-You personally may only enter once, however you can earn extra ‘tickets’ by getting shots of your friends and family joining you.

-Deviations need to be submitted to Contests -> HIV Testing Day -> Walk the Walk by June 30th at 11:59:59pm

Resources:
(US) Find a testing center near you
(US) more resources

(UK) Find a testing center near you

(NZ) FASTEST centers

Internationally--call your local clinic or hospital to find out about free or reduced fee testing near you!

Prizes! (one prize place per deviant)
First - 1 yr sub & fella plushie
Second - 6 months sub & deviantWEAR tshirt
Third - 3 month sub & emoticon buttons


Both contests start NOW!

Why are we asking this of you?
Quite simply: we want you and your loved ones to be healthy and happy for as long as possible. Early detection of HIV is a vital part of the quality of your life. Early detection means smaller viral load and a higher CD4 count. It means that your doctors have a leg up and you have better odds. Besides, what’s the harm in a negative test result? Nothing but the assurance that you are healthy.

More than that, early detection means prevention for others. It could even be inspiration for others. Your friends might be afraid to get tested, or embarrassed, but there is power and strength in numbers. Go as a group, know that your results will be confidential, and that the support of your friends and family will not fail.
Be responsible and know your status—it could very well save a life.


Health Is Valuable+ Links and information:
AIDS.org
Center for Disease Control and Prevention HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet
U.S. CDC HIV/AIDS prevention
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (7 February 2008)
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: HIV/AIDS Days
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services AIDSinfo
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (15 October 2007)
AIDS/HIV Awareness.org
CBS Cares: HIV
amfAR: The Foundation for AIDS Research
Avert.org: World AIDS DAY (1 December 2007)
The AIDS Memorial Quilt (The NAMES Project Foundation)
UNAIDS: The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
NetAid (an initiative of Mercy Corps): ACT NOW: HIV/AIDS
Red Ribbon Foundation
KidsHealth.org: HIV and AIDS
HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, NIAID/NIH
The Office of Minority Health: Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (SAAC): HIV/AIDS Awareness in the African American Community
National Catholic AIDS Network
What Does the Catholic Church Say About HIV/AIDS?