CARES MHA

First observed in 1999, this day serves as an opportunity to increase awareness about the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on Black and African American communities in the U.S. and to promote education, testing, and treatment.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N137ymV1BtY&t=11s&pp=2AELkAIB

https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/hiv/ryan-white.html

If you do not have insurance or need financial assistance with your HIV care and insurance costs, there are programs that can help. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program works with health departments and community-based organizations to provide HIV-related medical care and prescription drugs for people living with HIV. The program serves people with HIV who have no insurance, need services that their insurance doesn’t cover or need help with insurance costs. The program also provides other essential support services for people living with HIV. This includes transportation, housing assistance, dental and mental health, substance use treatment and more.

HIV is a preventable disease. The risk of HIV infection can be reduced by:
being abstinent
being tested for HIV and other s*xually transmitted infections
using condoms during s*x
not sharing needles.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an additional prevention option. It is a daily pill or injection that prevents HIV. It is up to 99% effective when taken as prescribed. Find PrEP, PEP, STI testing, and other services near you by visiting https://locator.hiv.gov./ .

Contact the confidential ADPH HIV Hotline 1-800-228-0469.

HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed an estimated 44.1 million lives to date. Transmission is ongoing in all countries globally. Know your status. Get tested.