"We hope that in offering testing and counseling free of cost, we can help more New Yorkers become aware of their HIV status - to access treatment if they learn they are positive and to learn how to keep themselves and their partners healthy regardless of their status," said Joan Malin, CEO of PPNYC.

This is the second year that PPNYC is offering free HIV testing and counseling in recognition of World AIDS Day. Last year free testing was available only to those ages 13-24. PPNYC records show that only 225 individuals received free testing. This year testing will be available for all New Yorkers, regardless of age. PPYNC HIV counselor Andrew Hearn said that he believes this year the turnout will be much greater.

Testing is completely confidential and is done using OraSure, a quick and painless oral HIV test. Test results can be obtained after four days by scheduling an appointment with a PPNYC counselor. All three PPNYC centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan are prepared for a great response. The process is easy enough that there is no reason not to take the opportunity to get tested, said Hearn. Hearn insisted that "anyone and everyone who is sexually active should get tested."

To date, almost 440,000 Americans have died from AIDS and 900,000 Americans are living with HIV or AIDS. While advances in treatment of HIV have drastically reduced AIDS-related mortality and extended the life spans of those living with HIV, prevention efforts still need to increase. Additional resources, such as free HIV testing and support are needed to take up the prevention message, according to PPNYC.