National Native HIV/AIDS
Awareness Day
The four seasons are highly respected in many cultures because they so closely represent the cycle of life. Spring represents a time of equality and balance. It is a time of profound change, new beginnings and birth. For these reasons, spring was chosen as the time to hold the first National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in 2007.
March 20th, 2009 marks the third annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD). HIV continues to increase among Native people as it has over the past decade. This day will challenge us to work together, in harmony, to create a greater awareness of the risk of HIV/AIDS to our Native communities, to call for resources for testing and early detection and for increased treatment options, and to eventually decrease the occurrence of HIV/AIDS among Native people.
Every ethnic and racial group in America has been affected by HIV/AIDS, but individual experiences, impacts, responses, and the legacy of the disease are distinctively different. This day is a day that brings national attention to the plight of Native communities and their struggles against the epidemic. We hope this date will raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among Native people—Native Americans, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians. Protect our future! Protect our people! Celebrate life!
We encourage you to take time to think about how you can raise awareness in your community, support local efforts, talk to your leaders, or attend an event. Please contact NNAAPC to obtain more information on National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day events in your area, or to learn how to host an event in your area. The materials and resources below were created so that communities can begin to spread the word and “Protect our People.”
To find out more information about National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, please contact Linda Lucero-Cornier, Education Project Manager, at (720) 382-2244 X 306 or by email at lcornier@nnaapc.org.
2009 NNHHAAD Materials and Resources
NNHAAD Nationwide Community Events Map
NNHAAD Toolkit (Online Version)
NNHAAD Toolkit (Print Version)
