National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

March 20, 2009, the first day of spring, is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This national observance is an opportunity to mobilize Native people across the United States and Territorial Areas to get tested for HIV.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a serious health threat to Native communities. While American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians represent approximately 1.2 percent of the U.S. population, they historically suffer higher rates of health disparities, including HIV/AIDS. In 2006, American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) had the third highest rate of AIDS diagnosis in the United States after African Americans and Hispanics despite having the smallest population.

Spring: A Time of Change

In many Native American 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 the annual 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, Take the Test!"

The March 20, 2009, observance of National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to mobilize Native people across the United States and Territorial Areas to get tested for HIV.

More Information

• Indian Health Service HIV/AIDS Program
• Audio podcast: Conversation with Commander Scott Giberson from the Indian Health Service about HIV/AIDS and American Indians and Alaskan Natives
• National Native American AIDS Prevention Center
• Colorado State University’s Center for Applied Studies in American Ethnicity
• Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.