This Thursday May 19th is National API AIDS Awareness Day. From the California State Office of AIDS:
Currently, there are over 4,000 A&PI individuals living with HIV in California. Due to social and cultural barriers, such as a lack of recognition of the impact of HIV/AIDS within some A&PI communities, and the notion of saving face among some individuals from A&PI communities, the number may be even higher.
One of eleven AIDS awareness days that target various facets of the epidemic, Asian communities have historically been seen as being less affected than other at-risk populations. Anecdotally, the newly diagnosed support group I help facilitate at The Center always has newly diagnosed Asian or Pacific Islanders in attendance. The good news it that they're coming out, and learning to be advocates for their own health. For others who read about these awareness days, realize their own risk and want to be proactive and test, the CARE Program offers free, quick, and confidential oral (no needles) HIV testing by appointment. Our office number is (562) 624-4900.
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