Community by Community: Bringing an End to HIV and AIDS

Since 1988, December 1st has been recognized as an international day of solidarity; supporting those living with HIV while also remembering those who have lost their battle to this devastating epidemic. On World AIDS Day, we celebrate achieved milestones in HIV prevention, care and treatment; such milestones have improved health outcomes for people living with HIV as well as protected others from contracting HIV. With approximately 37.9 million people living with HIV and AIDS around the world[1], the time is now to stand against HIV-related stigma and discrimination which have no place in our countries, communities, homes, and workplaces.

Call to Action: Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information to help you take steps to keep you and your partner healthy. Everyone between the ages of 13 and 65 should get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. People at high risk for HIV should get tested more frequently. “No HIV test can detect HIV immediately after infection. If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, talk to your health care provider about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), right away.”[2].

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New Jersey offers free HIV and other STI services to all state residents via the NJ AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline. Knowing who to call for resources and information is the first step in ending the HIV epidemic in New Jersey. The hotline is staffed by health professionals (doctors, nurses, and pharmacists) available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free, confidential help via phone at 1-800-624-2377, text, or chat.

This release was written by the NJ AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline. Get Connected: FB / Twitter/ Website