National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day — Together, We Can Make HIV Black History

February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). The theme for 2023 — Together, we can make HIV Black History — is one that resonates strongly with me, both personally and as LGBTQ+ Program Manager at the nonprofit VNS Health.

My colleagues and I work to achieve this goal every day. Understanding the barriers to HIV care that many New Yorkers face is a critical first step. Many factors, including race, gender identity, ethnicity, income status, and much more all impact the experiences of those with HIV/AIDS. In all of our work, we stress the importance of acknowledging factors that impact the lived experience of those we serve.

One striking disparity is the use of preventative treatment in Black communities, In particular, in NYC, and nationally, experts have found that there is significantly lower use of PrEP among both Black men and women. However, by working to provide better education and access to treatments and care, we can close the HIV health disparity gap and ensure everyone has access to life-saving treatment.

The CDC offers resources to help you take action here. Speak up and speak out to help MAKE HIV BLACK HISTORY.

#NBHAAD #StopHIVTogether