Today is World AIDS Day

World AIDS day is celebrated annually on December 1st. Founded in 1988, World AIDS day is “an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness,” according to the National AIDS Trust.

This year’s theme, “End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics.” is highlighting the disproportionate impacts diseases have around the world. The aim of the campaign is to remind people all over the world that there is still a critical need for increased funding for HIV and AIDS response. The theme is a powerful reminder that there is still a lack of prevention and care for people living with HIV & AIDS.

Stigma

Stigma is negative attitudes and beliefs about people who live with certain diseases. There are many ways to try to break down stigma & the shame behind it like speaking openly about your diagnosis with others, correcting misconceptions others have, and more. The CDC has a guide as to what language is helpful to make sure you are not communicating negatively about HIV and AIDS.

Harm Reduction

According to the CDC, about 1 in every 10 new HIV diagnoses in the US are attributed to injection drug use. The CDC also ranks sharing syringes as the second-riskiest behavior for getting HIV. The accessibility of syringe exchanges is an important harm reduction tool that significantly decreases the odds of transmitting blood-borne diseases including HIV, Hepatitis B, and more. A study done by the CDC in New York, found a 70 percent decrease in new HIV cases due to a syringe exchange. Ultimately, harm reduction strategies like needle exchanges will continue to play an important role in both the Opioid & HIV epidemics.

Resources

Today we’d like to recognize some of the many great local organizations who serve individuals living with HIV & AIDS. There are several community organizations in Minnesota that offer low or no cost resources like PrEP, safe use supplies, condoms, and HIV tests. Here are a few:

Red Door

Red Door is the largest HIV and STD clinic in Minnesota and a landmark for health care services in Hennepin County. They provide a supportive and welcoming place where you can get the information and services including HIV prevention & testing, HIV support groups, Needle exchange, and more.

Rainbow Health

Rainbow Health (formerly JustUs Health) provides comprehensive health services for LGBTQIA+ people, people living with HIV, and folks from underserved communities. They are advocates for health equity and have services including HIV testing and prevention, case management, peer support, group therapy, chemical health, and more.