September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

The 7th annual National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day will be observed Thursday September 18, The campaign is recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of HIV/AIDS Policy and AIDS.gov. By next year, half of the USA's HIV infected population will be age 50 and older. Many U.S. cities, including New York City, have already passed that point.

"It is critical we utilize this day of awareness to highlight the needs and stories of older people living with HIV," said Benjamin Bashein, Acting Executive Director of the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America. "ACRIA has been at the forefront of research and training related to older Americans living with HIV/AIDS and is proud to be a partner in educating practitioners and the public."

ACRIA is proud to be a partner in bringing attention to the mounting health care challenges older Americans with HIV confront. These older Americans with HIV are developing multiple illnesses 10-20 years earlier than expected and ACRIA's research, trainings and technical assistance have contributed greatly to bringing these issues to light.

"The new information and advances we see in medical treatment and increased attention to prevention in older populations at risk are critical issues to bring to the public's attention and this day offers us an opportunity for that," said Bashein. "It is so important that we dispel the myths of aging with HIV and realistically address prevention efforts. Older people are indeed sexually active and there are affirming and successful ways to talk about preventing the transmission of HIV and other STDs. I look forward to hearing from long term survivors and learning from their stories."

ACRIA will hold a public event on Thursday, September 18 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at their offices at 230 W. 38th St., 17th Fl. In New York. To attend, please RSVP to [email protected]. There will be a discussion about issues facing older Americans with HIV, including advocates, providers and older individuals living with HIV themselves, to celebrate their lives and hear their stories.

In addition, there will be two webinars in the days prior to September 18.

The first is a webinar for HIV/AIDS, again and social service providers entitled "Why should I care and what should I do?" being held on Tuesday September 16, from 12-1 p.m. EST. The link to attend is here.

The second webinar, being held Wednesday September 17, from 1-2 p.m. EST and entitled "What All Practitioners Should Know" can be registered for here.

ACRIA staff will present on both webinars and are available for comment prior to and after each session.

For more information, visit www.acria.org