Did I Miss National Black HIV AIDS Awareness Day?

 I missed it!! I forgot about it! I forgot that February 7, 2021 was National Black AIDS Awareness Day!!  In the hustle and bustle of life, family, and work, I missed an opportunity to post about the prevalence of AIDS/HIV in our society.   According to HIV.gov, approximately 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV.  People of color are disproportionately affected by HIV versus other racial groups.   Black/African Americans represented 13% of the U.S. population but 41% of people with HIV (HIV.gov, 2021).  Often living with an HIV diagnosis means living with the stigma of this diagnosis.  

“HIV related stigma and discrimination refers to prejudice, negative attitudes, and abuse directed at people living with HIV and AIDS.  In 35% of countries with available data, over 50% of people reported having discriminatory attitudes toward living with HIV” (Avert, 2019).

Negative emotional experiences may contribute to depression, anxiety, and general hopelessness about life.  People diagnosed with HIV may be less likely to disclose a diagnosis and may suffer in silence due to fear of negative reactions related to their disclosure.  People of color with HIV diagnoses may be members of other marginalized groups due to gender, religion, disabilities,  and socioeconomic status, and having a diagnosis of HIV is further complicated by membership in these groups. So, what are some ways that we can continue this dialogue not just in February, but throughout the year ?  

1. Educate yourself to remove stigma. People living with HIV are still people and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. HIV is not easily transmitted, and HIV cannot be transmitted with casual contact.    Some great resources are POZ.com, thebody.com, or HIV.org.  

2.   Volunteer at HIV service organizations locally or virtually.  Help fight the spread of HIV and offer services to those living or affected by HIV/AIDS.

3. Post about HIV/AIDS on your social media accounts. Normalize conversations about HIV/AIDS- “Be a part of the solution”!

Lastly, let's remember to extend kindness and compassion toward each other.  

 

 

Sources: 

HIV.gov. (2021, Feb 21). Impact on Racial & Ethnic Minorities. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/data-and-trends/impact-on-racial-and-ethnic-minorities

 

Avert.org. (2019, October 10). HIV Stigma & Discrimination. https://www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-social-issues/stigma-discrimination