March 20th marks the annual observance of National Native HIV & AIDS Awareness Day, a day to address the impact of HIV on Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians and to encourage HIV testing, prevention, and treatment in these impacted communities. March 20th also represents the spring equinox and marks the first day of spring. The first day of Spring was the chosen as the date to celebrate National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by individuals in the community who had participated in a national survey to determine what day would be most appropriate. It was acknowledged that in many Native cultures across the United States, the four seasons are highly respected because they closely represent the cycle of life.

March 10th marks the annual observance of National Women & Girls HIV & AIDS Awareness day. We wanted to take today to share the powerful story of CAP Client Jessica Gunn. Watch below as Jessica tells us about her experience as a mother and wife living with HIV and how accessing compassionate, affirming care is so integral to ensuring we all can live happy, healthy, loving lives.

Each September 18th, CAP observes National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day. This day brings attention to the growing number of people living long and full lives with HIV and to their health and social needs. (#HIVandAging) With many scientific advances and therapeutic options, most people living with HIV who are on effective treatments can expect to live to more than 70 years of age.

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD) is observed annually on May 18th to recognize and thank all the dedicated volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists working together to develop a vaccine to prevent HIV. It is also a day to educate about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research. A safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine is key to ending the HIV pandemic.

This April 18th we recognize the 6th annual National Transgender HIV Testing Day (NTHTD). NTHTD was created to highlight ways to reduce HIV transmission, HIV stigma and promote routine HIV testing for transgender and gender non-binary folks – population which experience disproportionately high rates of HIV transmission.

The origin of Black History Month goes back to 1915, when Dr. Carter Woodson founded the Study for African American Life and History (previously known as the Study of Negro Life and History). He introduced “Negro History Week” in 1926 to honor the history and recognize the accomplishments of the Black community in the United States.

October 15 is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day - a day aimed to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Hispanic/Latinx population of the U.S. It is a day to draw attention to the disproportionate impact that exists in the Latinx community when it comes to HIV.

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day—a day to call attention to the growing number of people living long and full lives with HIV, and to the aging-related challenges of HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care. It also seems like a great time to share with you CAP’s efforts to support the wellbeing of aging adults living with or affected by HIV, and initiatives being undertaken in our larger community.

This month, we honor the 14th annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD) which revolves around the theme of “Resiliency + Action: Ending the HIV Epidemic in Native Communities”. Founded in 2007, this community-driven national mobilization effort was designed “to encourage Natives (Native Americans, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiians) across the Unites States and Territorial Areas to get education, get tested, get involved in prevention and get treated for HIV”.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, held annually on March 10, is an opportunity for “local, state, federal, and national organizations come together to shed light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls and show support for those at risk of and living with HIV.” This year marks the 14th annual observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD).

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed each year on February 7 to “increase HIV education, testing, community involvement, and treatment among black communities”. Coordinated by the Strategic Leadership Council, thousands of organizations and groups across the world organize to address HIV disparities that exist within the Black community nationally and globally. This year’s NBHAAD theme, “Together for Love: Stop HIV Stigma” raises awareness that we all have a role to play in stopping HIV stigma.

March 20th is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Unfortunately, new HIV infection rates having been increasing in recent years among American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Yet, rates have been decreasing during this time-period for white communities.

Understanding and acceptance of our identity is a lifelong journey, one of which I admit I struggled with for many years. Today, as we observe the 17th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, I stand a confident and proud Black, openly HIV positive man who daily urges the community to wake up to the harsh reality of the epidemic among us.

CAP will commemorate World AIDS Day by honoring the individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to fighting the epidemic in our community at third annual Heroes of HIV luncheon. Taking place at the Sentinel Hotel in downtown Portland on December 1st from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, the event will honor individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the fight against HIV in our community.

Yesterday, November 20th, we observed Transgender Day of Remembrance to honor those who have lost their lives simply for living their truth. Despite the great strides we have made in our fight for equality and human rights, this year alone, more than 21 transgender Americans – mostly women of color – were tragically murdered because of their gender identity.

February 27, 2016, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is honoring National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), a community mobilization initiative designed to encourage Blacks in our community to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated.

On Friday, October 16th Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) will commemorate National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). NLAAD was established in 2003 to draw attention to the critical role HIV testing, prevention and education play in stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS among Hispanics/Latinos.

In lead up to National HIV Testing day this Saturday, CAP is teaming with Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS, a leading national public information response to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic, to encourage community members to know their HIV status and take advantage of free HIV testing at Walgreens in North Portland, OR (2829 N. Lombard St.) during a three-day period.