Feature

March 20, 2011, marks the fifth annual observance of National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The day was created to raise awareness about how HIV/AIDS affects American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people.

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is organized and implemented this year by a committee of organizations, including

• Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center.
• Colorado State University's Center for Applied Studies in American Ethnicity Commitment to Action for 7th-Generation Awareness & Education: HIV Prevention Project (CA7AE).
• Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Board.
• Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA).
• National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC).

According to CA7AE, the purpose of the awareness day is to

1. Encourage Native people to get educated and learn more about HIV/AIDS and its impact in their community.
2. Work together to encourage testing options and HIV counseling in Native communities.
3. Help decrease the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

• From 2005 to 2008, the estimated rates of annual diagnosis of new HIV infection and AIDS diagnosis increased in AI/AN populations.
• From 2005 to 2008, Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders had the third highest estimated rate of AIDS diagnosis behind Blacks/African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos.

Data Source: CDC. Diagnosis of HIV infection and AIDS in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2008. Vol. 20. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2010.

1. Distribute posters, fact sheets, and other materials in clinics and community centers and at events.
• Order posters, magnets, key chains, and other products from CA7AE.
• Order materials from NNAAPC.
• Download a poster or banner.
• Download a fact sheet.
2. Plan or participate in an awareness event.
• Plan an activity to recognize National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
• Register your event.
• Find an event.
3. Spread the message through the media and online.
• Distribute the public service announcements.