National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

April 10th is National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

National Youth HIVAIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD), first recognized in 2013, and currently led by Advocates for Youth, aims to empower young people to stay healthy by promoting HIV testing, prevention, and treatment.

As we commemorate this important day, it is essential that we acknowledge the ongoing impact of HIV on youth in New York State. In 2023, 35.3% of those newly diagnosed with HIV were between the ages of 13-29, highlighting the urgent need for innovative prevention efforts that prioritize this population.

Young people play a key role in spearheading the State’s prevention efforts, and we are inspired by their unwavering commitment, resilience, and dedication to supporting those impacted by HIV. It is vital to address the spread of inaccurate sexual health information, which can hinder young people’s decision-making about their sexual health and contribute to higher HIV rates. One effective strategy to improve access to information is the use of digital health resources. By enhancing digital health literacy among New York’s youth, we can improve access to accurate information and empower young people to make more informed decisions. Through their advocacy for education, raising awareness, and working to eliminate stigma, young people are not only shaping their own futures, but also paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society for everyone.

As we continue our efforts to End the Epidemic in New York State, it is crucial to prioritize access to HIV/AIDS prevention information. By providing accessible healthcare, comprehensive sexual health education, digital health literacy, and community support, we can empower young people to make informed choices that prioritize their sexual health.

GET INVOLVED AND TAKE ACTION

TALK to your friends, family members, and colleagues about the importance of getting tested for HIV. The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute offers free HIV self-testing kits to eligible individuals.

Also, you can find a nearby testing site using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Test Site Locator.

CONNECT people to needed HIV services. Visit the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Provider Directory where you can search for HIV service providers in your area. The provider directory also includes related services such as hepatitis C services, sexually transmitted infection services, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and services for people who use drugs.

PROMOTE HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and anti-stigma messaging on social media.