March 20, 2008, the first day of spring, marks the second annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This is an important day to encourage American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians to learn more and educate others about HIV/AIDS, encourage HIV counseling and testing options in Native communities, and initiate the process of decreasing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

In 2005, American Indians and Alaska Natives had the 3rd highest rate of AIDS diagnoses, after blacks and Hispanics/Latinos. Even though these groups represent a small portion of the US population and therefore, a small percentage of overall HIV/AIDS cases, the HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a serious health threat to Native communities.

In many cultures, spring represents a time of equality and balance and is a time of profound change, new beginnings, and birth. For these reasons, the first day of spring was chosen for National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This day will be a time to reflect on those who have passed, those who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as a celebration of life for all Native people with the theme of "Protecting Our Future, Protecting Our People!"

• National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
  U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• The Center for Applied Studies in American Ethnicity (CASAE)
• Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
• National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC)

Additional Resources from CDC:

CDC Fact Sheet: HIV/AIDS among American Indians and Alaska Natives Data shows that HIV/AIDS is a growing problem among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Updated Slide Set: HIV/AIDS Surveillance by Race/Ethnicity A graphic overview of HIV/AIDS in the United States, focusing on variations by race/ethnicity.

Health Disparities in HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and TB Find information on NCHHSTP Health Disparities Report.

National HIV Testing Database Find an HIV test site near you from the National HIV Testing Database, a CDC-sponsored service available 24 hours a day.