National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
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This week will mark the third National Native (American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian) HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD). This year's theme is “A Celebration of Life.”
HIV affects thousands of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). AI/AN have the third highest rate of AIDS diagnoses in the United States, despite having the smallest population. AI/AN who are living with AIDS are likely to be younger than their non–AI/AN counterparts and have the shortest time between AIDS diagnosis and death.
We spoke to Captain Scott Giberson, HIV Principal Consultant with the Indian Health Service, and members of the National Native Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) Network, the Commitment to Action for 7thâGeneration Awareness & Education: HIV/AIDS Prevention Project, and the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.Exit DisclaimerThe CBA Network told us that "in a time when social networking sites are a part of many Native people’s lives, those of us in Indian country are able to use new tools to communicate in ways our ancestors couldn’t have imagined." Scott reminded us “are underserved populations and issues such as health disparities, multiple health systems, and access to care add complexity to an already challenging battle against HIV.”
Scott encouraged us to “join local, regional, or national efforts to celebrate this Day with all Native Americans who are improving their health through knowledge of their HIV status, open discussion, and other HIV prevention efforts.”
If you or your organization uses new media, take action by posting the NNHAAD ribbon on your blog, social networking site, or website. For more information, visit the CBA Network members' sites: www.itcaonline.comExit Disclaimer. And, in recognition of National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, watch and share stories by AI/AN people living with HIV and others.
HIV affects thousands of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). AI/AN have the third highest rate of AIDS diagnoses in the United States, despite having the smallest population. AI/AN who are living with AIDS are likely to be younger than their non–AI/AN counterparts and have the shortest time between AIDS diagnosis and death.
We spoke to Captain Scott Giberson, HIV Principal Consultant with the Indian Health Service, and members of the National Native Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) Network, the Commitment to Action for 7thâGeneration Awareness & Education: HIV/AIDS Prevention Project, and the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.Exit DisclaimerThe CBA Network told us that "in a time when social networking sites are a part of many Native people’s lives, those of us in Indian country are able to use new tools to communicate in ways our ancestors couldn’t have imagined." Scott reminded us “are underserved populations and issues such as health disparities, multiple health systems, and access to care add complexity to an already challenging battle against HIV.”
Scott encouraged us to “join local, regional, or national efforts to celebrate this Day with all Native Americans who are improving their health through knowledge of their HIV status, open discussion, and other HIV prevention efforts.”
If you or your organization uses new media, take action by posting the NNHAAD ribbon on your blog, social networking site, or website. For more information, visit the CBA Network members' sites: www.itcaonline.comExit Disclaimer. And, in recognition of National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, watch and share stories by AI/AN people living with HIV and others.