National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Calls Indian Country To Get Tested This Spring

The first day of Spring is a day of action for Native health.

NNHAAD Promotes HIV Testing and Education Across Native Communities

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD), held every year on the first day of Spring and observed since 2007, encourages Our Relatives across Indian Country to get tested, stay informed, and honor those living with or lost to HIV/AIDS. The IHS National HIV/AIDS Program coordinates prevention and treatment activities specific to American Indians and Alaska Native populations as part of a comprehensive public health approach, working to increase routine screening and connect Native communities to care.

HIV Diagnosis Rates Among Native Populations Continue To Rise

The numbers demand attention. In 2022, new HIV diagnoses among AI/AN people rose nearly 30% from 2018, with 215 new cases reported. The rate of new diagnoses among AI/AN persons was 10.6 per 100,000 — more than twice the rate of 5.3 per 100,000 among White populations. AI/AN women saw diagnoses at a rate of 5.5 per 100,000, nearly three times the rate among White women at 1.9 per 100,000. New diagnoses among women linked to injection drug use nearly doubled from 15 in 2018 to 26 in 2022.

Culturally Competent Care Starts With Knowing Your Status

Only 77.3% of AI/AN people living with HIV knew their status in 2022 — the lowest of any racial or ethnic group. Among those diagnosed, just 61.5% achieved viral suppression within six months compared to 68.1% for White patients. Meanwhile, 68.9% of AI/AN Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clients live at or below the federal poverty level, the highest of any group. The HIV Services Locator and VA Native American HIV resources connect Indigenous communities, elders, and Native practitioners with free, confidential testing and culturally aware support services.

Ellsworth Stands With Indian Country on NNHAAD

Ellsworth, a Native owned small business and ISBEE-certified medical staffing company, stands with Our Relatives in the fight against HIV/AIDS across Indian Health Service facilities and tribal health programs. Honor our ancestors, protect our people — get tested today!