Washington, DC - HIV testing at the D.C. Jail remains voluntary, but officials are hoping making the tests automatically available when adults are first admitted to the system will encourage more testing, officials said Monday.

Department of Corrections Director Devon Brown said the testing is being stepped up as part of a citywide effort to promote HIV awareness.

The District has the highest rate of new AIDS cases in the country, with nearly 180 per 100,000 residents.

About 20 states, including Texas are now requiring mandatory testing for prison inmates, but a health department spokeswoman said the District's screening program jail inmates can opt out whenever they choose.

Last month, the District began making testing kits available through all city health clinics and through nonprofit community groups that run health outreach services programs.