It's a test health officials say more people need to get. Today they recognized a national campaign in Kentucky aimed at getting more people for HIV. They are targeting African Americans and Hispanics, but are hoping they're message reaches everyone.

"Every nine and a half minutes, someone gets infected with HIV", says Sigga Jagne, the Department for Public Health HIV/AIDS Branch Manager.

It's shocking statistics to hear about a disease that health officials say more people need to get tested for. Today in Frankfort, HIV activists spoke about the disease, and their struggles with it.

"I am 51 years old and I'm HIV positive. Dear people, I have been living with this disease for 22 years, however I did not find out until August of 1994", says Annette Owens, an HIV activist.

"I have been living with this disease for 19 years. I have been involved with this struggle because it is still a battle and I have been involved with this battle for a number of years", says Bobbie Edelen, an HIV Activist.

Annette Owens recalled the day she was informed she needed to get tested by doctors.

"Your ex-husband has full blown AIDS, and you need to be tested. You need to be tested was all I heard", she said.

Both she, and Bobbie Edelen spoke to the crowd in Frankfort, letting them know about the disease, and pushing them to get tested.

"I know that I am a living example of what early detection and treatment can do", Bobbie Edelen says.

By getting their message out, they hope people will take notice. Health officials are hoping it's a message that will raise awareness.

"Twenty-one percent of people who are HIV infected don't know they are HIV infected and that twenty-one percent are responsible for a majority of new infections", says Sigga Jagne.

Through a nationwide campaign called The Test 1 Million Campaign, health officials are encouraging everyone to get tested for HIV, particularly African Americans and Hispanics. Today in Kentucky they began spreading the message at a news conference in Frankfort.

"A large percentage of individuals who are unaware of their HIV status happen to be black", says Sigga Jagne.

However, no matter what race you may be, it's the same message they hope to pass along. They say early detection and treatment for this disease is key.

"If we get one million people tested and find a percentage of those people who have it are positive, those people can make a positive change in their lives", says Bobby Edelen.

Through the Test 1 Million Campaign, health officials hope to get one million Americans tested for HIV by next year.

As for getting involved with this new initiative or finding out information on how to be tested, you can contact the Department for Public Health in Frankfort.