As we approach Thanksgiving, we want to acknowledge that we have a lot for which to be grateful. We are making progress in our efforts to create an AIDS-free generation for many reasons, including: research gains; advances in treatment; better access to health care for people living with HIV/AIDS, thanks to the Affordable Care Act; and an ever-evolving set of technology tools that allows us to reach HIV service providers and clients through new media.

New media and technology mean a lot to us at HIV.gov. Since the launch of the HIV.gov program in 2006, one of our key objectives has been to learn from, and to provide technical assistance (TA) to, our stakeholders—including government and community partners. Together, we work to assess how these tools can help extend the reach of our HIV programs, particularly to communities at greatest risk.

We use many different tools to accomplish that larger goal. Our newest offering is online TA through our Virtual Office Hours. Our weekly blog posts are another tool. There we tackle many different issues on using new media. For example, together we are learning how to improve our use of mobile devices for our work. This can involve a wide range of things, such as: identifying communications goals and selecting the best tools for a particular audience; addressing privacy issues; and even offering simple, yet important, tips about using our devices responsibly—like reminding readers (and ourselves!) not to text and drive during our holiday travels or any other time.

Be sure to check out our World AIDS Day resources, and please join us in observing that HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on December 1st.