How To Honor National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) represents a valuable opportunity for community involvement through education, advocacy, and support. Below, explore the impact of HIV and AIDS within Black communities and meaningful ways you can make a difference on NBHAAD.
What is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day?
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is observed every year on February 7th to bring attention to the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on Black communities in the United States. First celebrated in 1999, NBHAAD serves as a day to promote awareness, education, and action to help reduce HIV infections among Black Americans.
Understanding the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Black community
- In 2020, Black Americans were 7.8 times more likely to receive an HIV diagnosis than white Americans.
- In 2022, Black Americans had the highest HIV-related death rate at 5.9 per 100,000, compared to 0.6 for White Americans.
- In 2021, Black women accounted for 60% of new HIV diagnoses.
- In 2020, Black men had AIDS rates 8.1 times higher than white men.
Fostering cultural competence in HIV/AIDS healthcare
To effectively address the HIV epidemic in African American communities, healthcare providers and public health authorities may consider how to tailor outreach and intervention to resonate with the unique cultural values, experiences, and challenges that exist within Black communities. This process could involve the following steps.
Understanding mistrust of the healthcare system
Recent data from the Pew Research Center reveals widespread mistrust of the U.S. healthcare system, rooted in historical and ongoing racial inequities. From the forced sterilization of Black women under eugenics laws to the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, historical injustices have deeply eroded trust in the medical system among Black Americans.
Addressing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS
HIV has long been stigmatized due to its association with the LGBTQ community. In the Black community, cultural and religious norms surrounding sexuality may perpetuate shame and stigma. While recent data suggest more acceptance among younger generations, stigma may still hinder access to testing, treatment, and open conversations.
Recognizing systemic inequities
Compared to other groups, Black Americans face inequities across a number of domains, including income, educational achievement, access to quality healthcare, and medical research. With fewer resources, Black people may be more vulnerable to delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options, and poorer health outcomes — particularly in managing conditions like HIV/AIDS.
Challenging HIV/AIDS stigma in the Black community
Historically, HIV/AIDS stigma in the Black community has been deeply tied to cultural norms and homophobia, often shaped by traditional beliefs about masculinity, sexuality, and religious values. These norms have contributed to viewing HIV as a moral failing or a condition associated exclusively with same-sex encounters, leading to silence, shame, and a reluctance to seek testing or treatment.
A lack of widespread LGBTQ+ acceptance can lead to internalized homophobia, which, research suggests, may discourage open dialogue about one’s HIV status and reduce the likelihood of condom usage. While Black Americans’ attitudes surrounding homosexuality and HIV/AIDS are trending towards acceptance, lingering stigma and misinformation still pose barriers to open conversations, testing, and treatment within some communities.
How to honor National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Whether it’s through education, supporting community organizations, or taking proactive health measures, you can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support Black communities impacted by HIV/AIDS. Below are a few ways to make a difference on NBHAAD and help stop HIV in your community.
Get tested and take preventative measures
Testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis can help you protect your health and prevent the spread of HIV — particularly if you are a member of a vulnerable population. Among the most effective ways to honor NBHAAD are to get tested and (if you haven’t already) talk to your doctor about starting pre-exposure prophylactic (PrEP) medication. Condoms are another essential method for protecting against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Enroll to participate in medical research
Whether you are currently HIV positive, taking PrEP, or looking for ways to improve health outcomes for members of your community, your participation in clinical trials can make a difference. For example, the National Institutes of Health conducts groundbreaking HIV/AIDS research and enrolling diverse participants helps ensure equitable representation in these important studies.
Support Black-led organizations fighting HIV/AIDS
Supporting the Black-led non-profits leading the fight against HIV/AIDS in the African-American community can be a meaningful way to honor NBHAAD. You can contribute by donating funds, volunteering, or spreading awareness about their work. These organizations provide essential services such as HIV education, testing, advocacy, and care for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Below are a few organizations making an impact:
- Black AIDS Institute
- Magic Johnson Foundation
- Black Women’s Health Imperative
- SisterLove
- Thrive SS
- The Counter Narrative
Promote empathy and understanding for vulnerable populations
With disproportionately high infection rates, African American gay and bisexual men, women, and trans women are among the most vulnerable to HIV/AIDs. Centering the voices and experiences of these communities on NBHAAD can go a long way in raising awareness and reducing stigma. You can show solidarity with these communities by starting conversations within your family, faith group, or social network about how their empathy and acceptance can benefit these marginalized groups.
Share educational resources on social media
Social media can allow you to effectively share educational resources with your peers and encourage them to receive HIV prevention services. On NBHAAD, consider using your platform to promote HIV testing, highlight prevention programs, and share stories that reduce stigma and foster awareness within your community.
Encourage open conversations about testing and prevention
Open conversations can be an effective way to not only reduce HIV stigma but also encourage testing and prevention practices. By normalizing discussions around HIV, you may help break down barriers that keep people from seeking care. These conversations can also foster a sense of community support, making it easier for individuals to take proactive steps toward protecting their health.
Online mental health support for Black Americans
A vast body of research supports the use of therapy modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for addressing a range of common mental health concerns, making it a worthwhile consideration for those looking to heal and grow. Therapy may be especially helpful for members of marginalized communities who may face discrimination or other unique challenges related to their identity.
Whether you’re living with a mental illness or are simply seeking healing and personal growth, online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp can be a safe space to address these types of concerns. Many online platforms partner with a wide network of therapists and counselors licensed to practice in your area, making it easy to find a compassionate mental health professional whose background and experience match your needs. In addition, online therapy may be more cost-effective, which can be helpful for those going through extensive healthcare treatments. Research shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy in reducing mental health symptoms and achieving positive outcomes, and many prefer this format for its convenience and affordability.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
What is the theme for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day?
The theme for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day changes each year. Past themes have included Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities (2024), Together for Love: Stop HIV Stigma (2019), and I Am My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS (2017).
What is the color for HIV awareness?
The color associated with HIV awareness is red.
What do you say when someone tells you they have HIV?
When someone reveals their HIV-positive status, consider responding in a way that ensures they feel accepted and supported. You might thank them for sharing their status and reassure them that your feelings toward them remain unchanged. In romantic relationships, you might steer the conversation toward safe sex and prevention strategies.
Are you HIV-positive for life?
Yes, HIV is a lifelong condition. However, current HIV treatments, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), are highly effective at suppressing the virus, allowing individuals to live long, healthy lives while reducing the risk of transmission.
What does ABCD stand for in HIV?
In HIV prevention, "ABCD" stands for Abstinence, Be faithful, Condom use, and Drug interventions.
How do you promote HIV awareness?
You can promote HIV awareness by speaking openly on the topic with people in your life and through your social media posts. Talk about the health disparities that led to HIV being more common in certain communities, as well as HIV-related stigma. Post statistics to challenge these stigmas, and talk about HIV testing options in your area to encourage people to get tested.
Why do we need HIV awareness?
HIV awareness is important because HIV is a serious infectious disease that can impact anyone who comes in contact with it. When people make efforts to increase HIV education, more people who aren’t aware of the seriousness of this condition may be prompted to get tested, practice safe sex, and access health resources in their area. Some people may not know that preventing HIV transmission even in someone with HIV is possible by taking medications like PrEP and practicing safe sex. When people talk openly about and address HIV respectfully, there is less stigma, and more people can receive support that could potentially save their lives.
What age is HIV most common?
HIV can be transmitted to anyone of any age. However, it is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 13 to 34 because people of this age group are more likely to engage in sexual intercourse with someone who has HIV or has had many partners and isn’t practicing safe sex. Most young people acquire HIV sexually. However, HIV can also be transmitted through other bodily fluids or from gestational parent to child during birth.
What group of people are most affected by HIV?
The group of people most affected by HIV are teens and young adults. In addition, gay men are at a higher risk of HIV if they participate in sexual activities that are more likely to transmit fluids into the bloodstream, such as anal sex. However, anyone can get HIV, and HIV is not primarily a condition that happens to gay men.
What are five ways HIV can be prevented?
Below are five ways to prevent HIV:
- Get tested frequently: Ensure you get tested after every new sexual partner and ask your partners to show you their test results and be upfront about their status, as well.
- Use safe sex tools: Condoms and dental dams can prevent contact with sexual fluids.
- Use a medication: PrEP is a medication that can prevent getting an HIV infection, even if you have sex with someone with the condition. Talk to your doctor before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.
- Be careful: Try to be careful sexually, not having sex with people you don’t trust or many sexual partners who might have had many sexual partners. In addition, don’t use needles from someone else who has injected themselves with that needle.
- Use lube: Use lube during sex to prevent friction or a condom from sliding off. Use a lot of lube if you’re trying anal activities, as the colon does not self-lubricate like a vagina.
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