February 7th marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). NBHAAD is a day to increase HIV education, testing and treatment in Black communities and acknowledge how HIV disproportionately affects Black people. 

There has been progress in reducing the effects of HIV on Black communities. However, systemic racism, discrimination, and anti-Blackness in the healthcare system significantly impact Black people seeking HIV-related services. NBHAAD is an opportunity to acknowledge these oppressive social dynamics, as well as amplify efforts towards HIV prevention, treatment, and other care. 

The theme this year, “Together…We Can Make HIV Black History!” will be a “virtual think tank that aims to fuel strategic efforts in Black communities to end the HIV epidemic.”

These topics will focus on enhancing HIV awareness in social and service sectors, discussing the HIV stigma in sectors that serve or impact Black communities, and giving insight for social nuances and resources that help the community get HIV testing, treatment and prevention.

The Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS policy is also hosting a Live Leadership Webinar that acts as a follow-up to last year’s NBHAAD conversation. Last year’s topic focused on HIV in the Black/African American communities and provided an update on implementing the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative and the National HIV/AIDS strategy (2022-2025).

Eugene, OR 

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: Come join HIV Alliance and NAACP Eugene Springfield Oregon Unit 1119 on February 7th from 2–6pm.There will be music, prizes and free HIV testing available from 2 to 6 p.m. at MIMS Historic House. All are welcome! 

Remote/Virtual 

Live with Leadership: A Conversation Commemorating National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: Join The Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy for this webinar on Tuesday, February 7 from 2:30–3:00 pm (ET). 

Together...We Can Make HIV Black History!: Join My Brother's Keeper and the CDC for this virtual town hall on February 7 at 3 PM (ET). 

About Cascade AIDS Project

CAP is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1985 as a grassroots response to the AIDS crisis. As the oldest and largest community-based HIV services provider in Oregon and southwest Washington, we seek to support and empower all people with or affected by HIV, reduce stigma, and provide the LGBTQ+ community with compassionate healthcare. We do so by helping to ensure the health and well-being of our program participants each year through health, housing, and other social services. When the need for affordable, accessible, and culturally affirming primary care services was identified as a community need, we responded by opening Prism Health in 2017.  More information can be found at www.capnw.org.