National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD), observed each year on April 10th, is a crucial day to raise awareness about the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people. This day provides an opportunity to highlight the ongoing efforts to prevent, treat, and provide care for young people living with HIV.
Why is NYHAAD important?
- Young people are disproportionately affected by HIV. In the United States, young people aged 13-24 accounted for 20% of new HIV diagnoses in 2020.
- Many young people lack access to HIV prevention education and services. This can make them more vulnerable to infection.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for living a long and healthy life with HIV. NYHAAD helps to raise awareness about the importance of early testing and treatment.
- Young people have the power to change the course of the HIV epidemic. By getting involved in prevention and advocacy efforts, young people can help to create a future free from HIV and AIDS.
What can you do to get involved?
- Learn more about HIV and AIDS. There are many resources available online and in your community.
- Get tested for HIV. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV.
- Talk to your friends and family about HIV. Open and honest conversations can help to break down stigma and discrimination.
- Support organizations that are working to prevent HIV and AIDS. There are many organizations doing important work in this area.
- Get involved in advocacy efforts. You can raise your voice to demand better policies and programs for young people living with HIV.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/default.html
- The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID): https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/hivaids
- The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR): https://www.amfar.org/
- The National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS
Let’s work together to create a future where all young people have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their HIV status.
Please remember to spread awareness about NYHAAD on social media using the hashtag #NYHAAD.
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
