National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
May 12, 2011 in Announcements
The seventh annual National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NA&PIHAAD) is this May 19, 2011. This national campaign aims to raise awareness about the unique and important impacts of HIV on A&PI communities and to end the silence and shame that surround this issue, particularly in light of national data that show an increase in new HIV infections in some A&PI communities. Today, the California Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS (OA) would like to recognize the efforts of providers who work to break the silence and diminish the stigma of HIV/AIDS in some A&PI communities and to give thanks to A&PI community members who have the courage to live openly with HIV/AIDS and who support others to do likewise.
Currently, there are over 4,000 A&PI individuals living with HIV in California. Due to social and cultural barriers, such as a lack of recognition of the impact of HIV/AIDS within some A&PI communities, and the notion of saving face among some individuals from A&PI communities, the number may be even higher.
In recognition of NA&PIHAAD and the toll that HIV/AIDS has taken – and will continue to take – on Asian and Pacific Islander communities, OA urges A&PI community members to become more aware about the risks of HIV and to get tested and, if positive, to seek medical and support services. Click here www.HIVServicesCA.com to find a HIV test site and medical care facility near you. Click here www.thebanyantreeproject.org to find an NA&PIHAAD event near you.
Please share this announcement and information about the Advisory Network with all of your California colleagues and interested friends.
