National Native American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
March 20th, 2009
Statement By
Robert McSwain
Director, Indian Health Service
Regarding National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
2009
March 20, 2009, marks the third annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness
Day. National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a national mobilization effort
facilitated by Native organizations and community members and designed to inform
all of us about the presence of HIV/AIDS in Native populations (American Indians,
Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians). This day marks an ideal time to encourage
Native populations to empower themselves through HIV education, knowledge of
their health status, and involvement in HIV prevention efforts.
Compared to the general U.S. population, American Indians and Alaska Natives
continue to face additional health disparities and co-risk factors, such as high
rates of substance abuse and sexually transmitted infections, which can contribute
significantly to HIV transmission. It is known that HIV/AIDS exists in urban
and rural native populations (and on or near tribal lands); yet many of those
with HIV are not aware of their status. This can change.
These statistics, risk
factors, and opportunities for screening illuminate the need for the Indian Health
Service (IHS) to continue to raise awareness about HIV and to demonstrate the
success of ongoing initiatives that help to make HIV testing, education, and
care a routine part of our health services. Over the last 3 years, new initiatives
have begun and programs have expanded. We are changing the way we provide services
for HIV, changing the way we integrate our programs, and more firmly establishing
our linkages to care. The IHS is committed to pushing these critical issues forward
and to doing its part to reduce sensitivities and disparities around HIV. With
this change, support has come from many Tribes, tribal entities, and Native people.
The IHS strives to proactively change the HIV/AIDS status quo of the American
Indian and Alaska Native population and ultimately protect our future generations.
Each
year, this day also gives me the opportunity to thank dedicated staff and community
members who continue to improve services, foster linkages, and advocate for more
initiatives in light of resource constraints. Please take the time to reflect
on their hard work, share positive experiences with friends and family, encourage
testing, and celebrate life in honor of this day.
Tribes, community organizations,
and health departments will be holding many events on this day of advocacy, so
please review the National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day activities across the
country at: http://www.nnaapc.org/news/nnhaadmap2009/nationwide.htm.
I encourage all staff and community members to take part in this special day
and help us protect our people and improve our health.
Robert G. McSwain
Director
Indian Health Service
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