#PACT4HIV #StartTalking #StopHIV
Today,  April 10, 2018 , the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) recognizes  National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD) , a day to educate the public about the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people as well as highlight the amazing work young people are doing across the country to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Despite the many advancements in science and the reduction of stigma over the last three decades, youth continue to be disproportionately impacted by the epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, Black youth represent more than half (57 percent) of all new HIV infections among young people aged 13 and 24.

To ensure an AIDS free generation, we must address the specific needs of Black LGBTQ, same gender loving, and other vulnerable youth.  Since the early 1980s, HIV/AIDS has severely impacted the Black community. Black people account for about 12 percent of the U.S. population, yet account for almost half of the more than one million people estimated to be living with HIV in the United States (44 percent) and of new HIV infections each year (also 44 percent).  African American youth are especially affected.  According to the CDC, of the nearly 21,000 HIV infections estimated to occur each year among African Americans, one-third (34 percent) are among young people aged 13 to 24. Young African American men, particularly, young gay, bisexual, and or MSM (men who have sex with men), as well as African American women, are severely impacted. 
 
While we must remain clear about who is being disproportionately impacted so that we can better target resources and support, we must be mindful of the whole story, which includes good news as annual HIV infections have decreased by 18 percent among young gay and bisexual males from 2008 to 2014.  While important to celebrate advancements and victories, it is critical to ensure that we provide all young people with the education, tools and support needed to prevent, treat and support individuals living with HIV.  

Learn more and join the conversation via social platforms
using the following hashtags:
#PACT4HIV • #StartTalking • #StopHIV
The time is NOW for the Black community to stand together in declaring that we will no longer accept new HIV infections among our young people. We have the tools to end this epidemic. All we need is  YOU to raise your voice and find meaningful ways to be a part of the solution.  Unsure of where you may fit in? Consider the following:
  • Use your social media platforms to raise awareness and compel action. Add your stories, photos and video links to the ongoing conversations using #NYHAAD & #NBJCAdvocacy.

  • Do you know your HIV status? When is the last time you were tested? If you cannot answer these questions, get tested, and encourage those you love and build with to do the same. Learn where to get tested in your local community HERE.

  • If you test positive for HIV, get care! Find a provider that you can trust, and develop a treatment plan to ensure you remain happy, healthy and whole. Click HERE to find a list of culturally competent providers in your community.
 
  • Add your name to the NYHAAD Bill of Rights and stand publicly for the rights of young people to fight HIV/AIDS.
 
  • Have conversations about HIV/AIDS with your family, friends and community. Reduce stigma—don’t allow people to make disparaging comments or jokes about HIV. Promote testing and other forms of prevention as regular wellness practice.

It is time that we work together as a community to eliminate stigma and deal honestly with the challenges we face in ending HIV/AIDS.  #StartTalking #StopHIV
UPCOMING EVENTS
National Transgender HIV Testing Day  is observed annually on  April 18 . This day provides an opportunity to highlight and encourage HIV testing, prevention, and treatment among transgender members of our community. Learn more  HERE
Join NBJC’s
Executive Director
David J. Johns
On The Road
Near You!
  • 2018 Conference for ABFE (A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities)
  • Memphis Tennessee | April 15, 2018
  • NBJC’s ED will be apart of the Opening Breakfast Plenary: A Call to Action for Philanthropy & Black Communities. Learn more about this event HERE.
  • 2018 Spring Health Braintrust for the Congressional Black Caucus
  • Washington, DC | April 17, 2018
  • NBJC’s ED will moderate a panel entitled “sex. Drugs, and Violence: Reducing Risky Health Behavior in Young Adult Years”. Learn more about the CBC’s Health Braintrust and the chair of the Braintrust, Rep. Robin Kelly (IL), HERE.
  • Annual Connecticut Legislative AIDS Awareness Day
  • Hartford, Connecticut | April 18, 2018
  • NBJC’s ED will be a featured speaker at the Connecticut State Capitol for their state’s Annual Legislative AIDS Awareness Day, which brings together a coalition of HIV/AIDS centered individuals and organizations with the intention of raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in Connecticut, the importance of services that are available, and to urge legislators to take positive action on policies and proposals that affect people living with HIV/AIDS. Learn more about this important event HERE.