By: Jennifer McMillen Smith, LISW-S, HIV Social Worker at MetroHealth Medical Center and medically reviewed by Ann K. Avery, MD, Infectious Disease Physician at MetroHealth Medical Center
Although living with HIV can sometimes be a burden, you aren’t trapped. It’s 2020, so it’s time to slay the stigma for those living with HIV! One of the best ways you can slay is through awareness and service. It’s time to get out of your comfort zone and be part of the conversation. We promise you’ll be happy that you did. There are tons of HIV awareness events going on nationwide this year that you won’t want to miss. Below are some of the most popular ones:
Mark your calendar!
- Feb. 7: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - Here’s a great opportunity to increase HIV education, treatment and community involvement among African Americans.
- March 10: National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - Did you know one in four people with HIV is a woman? Not all women or girls with HIV are getting the care they need, which is why this day is important.
- March 20: National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - This day is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the presence of HIV and AIDS in the Native communities.
- April 10: National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day - The impact of HIV and AIDS has on youth is crucial. Use this day to highlight the work youth do to strengthen the fight against HIV and AIDS.
- April 18: National Transgender HIV Testing Day - NTHTD recognizes the importance of routine testing as well as HIV prevention and treatment efforts with transgender and gender non-binary people.
- May 18: HIV Vaccine Awareness Day - Use this day to thank volunteers, health professionals and scientists working together to find a safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine.
- May 19: National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - This is another great opportunity to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
- May 19: Hepatitis Testing Day - Millions of Americans have chronic viral hepatitis and most of them don’t know they’re infected.
- June 27: National HIV Testing Day - We get it, tests aren’t fun, but this one is important. Educate loved ones about the importance of getting tested and what could happen if they don’t.
- Sept. 18: National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day - Let’s all bring attention to the growing number of people living long and full lives with HIV! Woohoo!
- Sept. 27: National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - There’s an excessive impact of HIV and AIDS on gay men. Let’s end that!
- Oct. 15: National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day - Use this day to slay the HIV-related stigma in most communities!
- Dec. 1: World AIDS Day - This is another great way to bring attention to the HIV epidemic, and raise HIV awareness.
Come join our private, stigma-free, supportive community.
Health management tools with medication & appointment reminders.
Social networking in a community conversation & private chats.
Be part of the conversation!
Now that you have the dates, mark your calendar and join the conversation! It’s easy to get involved. Spreading awareness can be as simple as an Instagram post or #hashtag. Or, you can always grab some coffee with friends and talk. Both can be powerful.
These nationally recognized days are important reminders for everyone to stand up to hate and spread awareness in the right way. They are great opportunities for people living with HIV to inspire and support each other. Who knows? Maybe you can meet your new best friend!
Feeling inspired?
Feeling inspired? We sure hope you are! Get more involved by volunteering at local HIV-related events near you. Your skills could go a long way, and you can change the world by showing up for others and for yourself. What are you waiting for? Say yaaaasssss and get after it!
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