May 19th is National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This observance, led by the San Francisco Community Health Center, raises awareness of the impact of HIV and AIDS, risk, and stigma surrounding HIV in the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community. Given the rise in violence against the API community, we also stand in solidarity with the community and encourage you to get involved in anti-violence efforts in your local area.

KNOW THE FACTS
The API community is the fastest-growing U.S. minority community. However, from 2014-2018, annual HIV diagnoses among Asians and Pacific Islanders in the US and dependent areas remained stable. Asians, who make up 6% of the population, accounted for about 2% of HIV diagnoses in 2018 in the US and dependent areas. While Asians and Pacific Islanders comprise a small percentage of people living with HIV in the United States, preventing new HIV infections and helping those with HIV to get linked to effective HIV treatment and care are essential aspects of our work to end the HIV epidemic.

For more information, America’s HIV Epidemic Analysis Dashboard (AHEAD) displays national HIV data for the broader API community across six EHE indicators including HIV diagnosis, linkage to HIV medical care, incidence, knowledge of status, PrEP coverage, and viral suppression.

KNOW YOUR STATUS
In recent years, annual HIV diagnoses have increased among some in the API community, such as API young adults and men who have sex with men. Knowing your status gives you powerful information so that you can take steps to lower your HIV risk and take charge of your health. Use the HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator to find a clinic near you or select from the self-testing options available.
In addition, the CDC Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign offers resources that promote testing and treatment for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders.

GET FREE PrEP
Asians and Pacific Islanders have low PrEP coverage compared to other ethnic groups in the U.S. The Ready, Set, PrEP program is a nationwide program that provides free PrEP medications to people who do not have insurance that covers prescription drugs. If you are not eligible for this program, speak with a health care provider for other federally funded options.

STAY IN CARE
Telehealth, self-testing, and expanded pharmacy services make accessing HIV testing, treatment, and prevention easier. Speak with a health care provider on the care options that meet your needs.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Stay updated with National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day news using the hashtag #APIMay19 and follow the @HIVgov handle.

Visit the National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day page and use HIV.gov’s basic information to share the facts about HIV, help raise HIV awareness, and focus on the importance of HIV testing, stigma, and its effects. For additional HIV.gov resources and updates for other HIV observances, sign up for our email listserv.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Visit APICHA Community Health CenterExit Disclaimer or San Francisco Community Health CenterExit Disclaimer to find more HIV prevention resources for the API community.

For anti-Asian violence resources, visit StopAAPIhate.orgExit Disclaimer.