AIDS Awareness Month - National Runaway Safeline

National Runaway Safeline

AIDS Awareness Month

HIV basics slider
Image from cdc.gov 

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus spread through certain bodily fluids. It attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells) which help fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV reduces the number of T cells, which makes it harder for the body to fight off infections and some diseases. HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which can also be referred to stage 3 HIV.1

Statistics

In the U.S. more than 1.1 million people are living with HIV. 2 There are certain populations where HIV/AIDS is more prevalent: gay and bisexual men are most affected. Yet, we see this impacting all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.3 When looking at the runaway and homeless youth population: unstably housed youth and persons experiencing homelessness are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.4

Prevention and Treatment

The stigma around HIV/AIDS impacts mental and physical health; in fact, reducing the stigmatization of individuals experiencing HIV/AIDS can improve prevention efforts. Stigma is linked to avoidance of HIV testing and access to health services.5 By increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS and services offered, together we can reduce stigma and improve health outcomes and behaviors for those affected and at-risk.

1 in 7 individuals with HIV do not know they have it, this is why testing and early detection are so important.6 Many local organizations such as medical clinics, substance abuse programs, community health centers, and hospitals offer HIV tests; some sites even offer free testing.  Interested individuals can locate testing sites near them by:

No effective cure exists, but thanks to better treatments, people with HIV/AIDS now live longer and have a better quality of life.7 Finding a provider that is knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS care is important so that they can prescribe the right antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Please help us in raising awareness and destigmatizing HIV/AIDS!

Share This Post

Recent Posts

February 2023 Volunteer of the Month

NRS friends and supporters may remember 2022 NRPM Award winner Max Neri, who was honored for his involvement in his own community as a NRPM Youth Ambassador. Max is now being recognized by the NRS staff as the Volunteer of the Month!

January 2023 Volunteer of the Month

It’s reasonable for anyone experiencing a crisis to be emotional, especially when you’re young and struggling with a mental health issue or unable to find resources to help support your needs. The National Runaway Safeline (NRS) takes pride in being available 24/7 to help young people and concerned adults work through these frustrations, whether by providing referrals to life-saving resources or being a supportive listener.

Recognizing January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month

According to the United States Department of State, each year, an estimated 27.6 million people are trafficked worldwide. Despite the prevalence, there are many misconceptions about human trafficking.

Here are some of the common myths and misconceptions and clarifications about why they are inaccurate.

Scroll to Top

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings we’ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the NRS website. 

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings we’ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the NRS website.