Digital storytelling can be an important outreach tool to promote attention to health and wellness for people who may be at increased risk for acquiring HIV. We believe digital storytelling, like HIV.gov’s Positive Spin series, can create awareness, conversations, and action for those affected by HIV. (If you haven’t checked the series out yet, Positive Spin highlights the personal experiences of five HIV-positive, gay black men who have successfully navigated the HIV care continuum--from diagnosis to treatment and, ultimately, to viral suppression.)

A new video series from the HHS Office of Minority Health uses digital storytelling to personalize the issue of health disparities and encourage a collective response to help end them. That series, Health Equity Change Makers, features 2 people living with HIV.

• Guy’s story: As a young, black gay man Guy tells about how he became HIV positive - and how he now uses digital communication to address inequities related to HIV and mental health. (Note: You can hear more stories from Guy in his Positive Spin video clips)

• Margot’s story: Margot powerfully shares her story of living with HIV and how she “found her voice” as an HIV-prevention advocate and peer counselor for women living with the disease.

These digital stories offer ready-made tools to help you capture the interest of your target audiences. And as we look ahead to National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which will be observed on February 7, 2017, these stories also offer important insights about the impact of HIV in the Black community.

Let us know how you are using digital storytelling to promote change in your community!