HIV/AIDS: 30 YEARS AND COUNTING
Great strides have been made since the CDC first published their report of HIV/AIDS in 1981. Life saving drugs have been developed allowing people living with HIV/AIDS to live longer, productive lives. The time it takes to get tested for HIV has been greatly reduced, from days to a matter of minutes. A vast network of organizations exists nationwide, committed to HIV/AIDS education and treatment, helping to stop new infections and caring for those who need help.
30 years later, the face of the HIV epidemic has changed with communities of color bearing the largest part of the burden in the US. New HIV infections among youth and women are also on the rise. According to the most recent data from the CDC, we know A&PIs have the highest rate of increase in new HIV infections in the nation, yet over two-thirds of us have never been tested for HIV. To make matters worse, the number of HIV/AIDS organizations specifically serving A&PIs has decreased by half in recent years. Clearly, the work of A&PI Wellness Center is not done.
This month, let's pause to reflect on the great progress we have made and recommit to fighting HIV—not just the disease, but the silence, stigma and discrimination that still shadows it. Let's speak out when we see stigma and discrimination in action. Let's talk to our friends and family, reminding them that you can't get HIV from sharing a glass or a toilet and to get tested for HIV. Let's get tested ourselves. Remember, saving face can't make you safe. Talk about HIV—for me, for you, for everyone.
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