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MCC Daily Tribune

AIDS Awareness Month

AIDS Awareness Month, observed every October, supports educational campaigns that disseminate science-based, factual, and clear information to youths, at-risk people, and the general public. With over 37 million people living with HIV worldwide, public information about its prevention, transmission, and treatment must be accurate and widely available. 

Advocates have several goals including educating people about the importance of knowing your status and regular testing, lobbying for accessible and affordable testing and treatment, reducing stigma, ensuring the public has accurate information about HIV risk and transmission and supporting patients living with HIV/AIDS.

HOW TO OBSERVE AIDS AWARENESS MONTH

  1. Get tested

    The first step in AIDS awareness is knowing your own status. Call your doctor or local clinic to find a free test and get tested regularly.

  2. Make a donation

    Many organizations advocate for research, treatment, and support for HIV/AIDS patients and their families. If you can, donate to an advocacy group whose mission speaks to you.

  3. Educate yourself

    Quiz yourself: do you know all the ways HIV is transmitted? What about the myths around it? Read up on basic information to make sure you know all the facts.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS

  1. You can test at home

    You can buy home tests to test your HIV status in the comfort of your own home. Many clinics and organizations also offer free testing.

  2. You can take steps to prevent HIV

    You can protect yourself from HIV infection by practicing safe sex, avoiding intravenous drugs, and getting tested regularly.

  3. A vaccine isn't yet available

    Although many trials are in progress, no HIV or AIDS vaccine has yet been approved for human use.

  4. Many people don't know they have HIV

    Because HIV can be asymptomatic for years, you can contract it without knowing you're sick. Regular testing is important to ensure you don't transmit the infection to others.

  5. Gender differences

    HIV still disproportionately affects men. In 2017, males made up 81% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States.

WHY AIDS AWARENESS MONTH IS IMPORTANT

  1. It reminds us to get tested

    Getting tested regularly is important. Take some time during AIDS Awareness Month to go get tested and know your status.

  2. History is important

    Although no longer a death sentence, AIDS was, for years, a terrifying global pandemic that devastated communities and families.

  3. There are many misconceptions

    Many people still don’t have accurate information about how HIV is transmitted, when you’re at risk, and how to prevent it. AIDS Awareness Month promotes science-based education to ensure everyone has the facts about HIV/AIDS.

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
10/03/2022