Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Today, June 8, we commemorate Caribbean-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (CAHAAD). It is an opportunity to shed light on the urgent issues faced by the Caribbean community in Los Angeles County and the lack of accessible resources, information, and services specifically tailored to their needs (Uzoeghelu, Bogart, Mahoney, & Ojikutu, 2021). It is important to address these gaps and work towards ensuring that the Caribbean community has the necessary support (Harawa, Bingham, Cochran, Greenland, & Cunningham, 2002, p. 1961) to end the HIV epidemic.

Globally, the Caribbean region has the second-highest HIV prevalence rates and the highest incident rate of reported AIDS cases in the Americas (UNFPA Caribbean, 2023). These statistics emphasize the need for stronger efforts to make information, resources,
and services readily available and culturally appropriate.

By recognizing this dedicated day, HEALING with HOPE Corp. aims to bring attention to the unique challenges faced by Caribbean Americans in combating HIV/AIDS. It is an opportunity to engage community members, healthcare providers, and organizations to collaborate in developing specified initiatives that address prevention, early detection, and access to care.

We must work together to overcome stigma, discrimination, promote inclusivity, and provide support to those living with and significantly impacted by HIV/AIDS. By fostering
understanding and encouraging open dialogue, we can create an environment where
individuals feel empowered to seek testing, receive treatment, and live healthy lives.

This day should continue to serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to fight against HIV and to promote overall well-being within the Caribbean American community. Together, let us strive for a future where everyone has access to the resources, information,
services, and support they need to prevent, treat, and ultimately end HIV transmission.

On this day, we stand in solidarity with all those living with and significantly impacted by HIV/AIDS, and we reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier and more inclusive
society for all.

I am,

Damone Thomas

President

HEALING with HOPE Corp.

www.healingwhope.org/support

References

Harawa, N. T., Bingham, T. A., Cochran, S. D., Greenland, S., & Cunningham, W. E. (2002). HIV Prevalence Among Foreign- and US-Born Clients of Public STD Clinics. American Journal of Public Health, 92(12), 1958–1963. doi:doi: 10.2105/ajph.92.12.1958

UNFPA Caribbean. (2023, 06 07). HIV & AIDS. Retrieved from UNFPA Caribbean: https://caribbean.unfpa.org/en/node/19856

Uzoeghelu, U., Bogart, L. M., Mahoney, T. F., & Ojikutu, B. O. (2021). Association Between HIV Testing and HIV‑Related Risk Behaviors Among US and Non-US Born Black Individuals Living in the US: Results From the National Survey on HIV in the Black Community (NSHBC). Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 23, 1152–1158.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-021-01244-1