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The AIDS Institute Supports National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day

July 21, 2010
By The AIDS Institute

 

 Washington, DC –The 3rd annual National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (NHAAAD) will be held on September 18, 2010. The AIDS Institute, along with other national partners are proud to announce the theme of this year’s campaign, “Aging is a part of life; HIV doesn’t have to be”, an effort recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, and http://www.aids.gov/.

The National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness day focuses on the challenging issues facing the aging population with regards to HIV prevention, testing, care and treatment. In addition, there is an increased need for prevention, research, and data targeting the aging population, medical understanding of the aging process and its impact on HIV/AIDS.

The campaign focuses on; 1) People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) who are aging with the disease or already over 50 at the time of their initial diagnosis, 2) Increasing the use of protection from HIV infection, especially among the baby boomer population, and 3) The increasing number of grandparents becoming the primary guardians for children who have lost their parent(s) to HIV/AIDS.

“This year’s campaign theme, Aging is a part of life; HIV doesn’t have to be, illustrates the need to promote HIV prevention, education and testing among older Americans. The aging population is frequently ignored when it comes to diagnoses, perhaps because of the disconnect with regard to HIV testing in older adults,” stated Michael Ruppal, Executive Director of The AIDS Institute.

In an effort to continually expand awareness about HIV/AIDS among the aging population, organizations and community members are invited to develop, implement and participate in awareness activities and events on or around September 18, 2010. 

Past examples of activities and ways organizations and individuals can become involved:

  1. Encourage and promote HIV testing among older Americans
  2. Provide HIV prevention and education messages to older Americans
  3. Provide resources for linkage to treatment and care for HIV infected older Americans
  4. Organize health fairs that focus on HIV/AIDS and healthcare in older Americans
  5. Encourage older Americans to practice safer methods to prevent HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s)
  6. Conduct events at senior community centers or nursing home facilities
  7. Talk to an older adult in your family about getting tested
  8. Engage leaders in the faith community to participate in local, regional, or national events on or around NHAAAD
  9. Highlight how your programs can incorporate HIV/AIDS education for older Americans

Michelle Scavnicky, Director of Education at The AIDS Institute commented, “There are challenges and issues surrounding HIV and the aging population, NHAAAD provides a unique opportunity to focus on those issues and for local, regional and national organizations to work together to address these concerns.”

The AIDS Institute believes that education is the key to stopping the spread of HIV for our aging population and ensuring the best possible care and treatment for those already living with the disease.

To download NHAAAD-related materials including the NHAAAD Community Planning Guide, and additional resources, feel free to visit our website at www.TheAIDSInstitute.org to Download Tools, Register Your Event and help make a difference.  

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