 Over a million Americans are currently living with the virus, which was first observed in 1981. National HIV Testing Day was started in 1995 to encourage people to get tested for the virus, know their status, and to get treatment. Those who receive a positive test result are urged to start HIV treatment right away, and those who receive a negative test result are being urged to practice HIV prevention. Information about free testing can be found at HIV.gov. I'm Mark Mayfield.