Recapping World AIDS Awareness Day: How Can You Raise Awareness in Your Neighborhood?
On December 1, 2014, Simplefill stood with our global community to support World AIDS Day. This event raises awareness about this illness and shows support those who live with HIV every day. The calendar day might be behind us, but it’s as important as ever to provide AIDS information to your community. Here are a few ways that you can accomplish this:
Share facts about AIDS… Not myths
Speak with friends and family about AIDS, what can be done to prevent it, and how it affects the 34 million living with HIV worldwide. AIDS.gov is a good resource that provides a factual, digestible overview of the causes, treatments, and implications of this illness.
Organize a community discussion to raise AIDS awareness
Coordinate with your town hall or another local organization to host a talk about AIDS. Invite an expert, such as a doctor, researcher or professor to answer questions and provide facts. If you know someone living with HIV, invite them to speak about their experience with this illness.
Host Free Testing Stations
Only 20% of people between 13 and 64 years of age opt to get tested for HIV. Part of this is due to stigmas, but often is it because they don’t have accessible testing options. Work with your community to offer free testing, and use this opportunity to also raise awareness about the symptoms of AIDS and causes of AIDS.
Become HIV AIDS Aware
Many people are surprised to learn just how little they know about AIDS. Take the National AIDS Trust Test to strengthen your knowledge, then pass what you learn along to your friends.
With these action steps, you can cultivate a community that has increased AIDS awareness. Remember: You don’t need a national holiday to continue your AIDS education. Simplefill is grateful to your commitment to creating a healthier, informed, and compassionate future.
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