Washington, DC - The AIDS Institute is proud to announce that planning efforts are underway for the 5^th Annual National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (NHAAAD), scheduled for September 18, 2012. The annual theme is "Aging is a part of life; HIV doesn't have to be".  

"National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day provides an opportunity to promote and provide HIV prevention information, educational tools and HIV testing among older adults," states Marylin Merida, committee member of the National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day Steering Committee and board president of The AIDS Institute. "As we acknowledge the 5th Annual Aging Awareness Day, we must promote a consistent message; aging populations cannot afford to ignore potential risk factors associated with contracting HIV," Merida continued.   

According to the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, by 2015, half the people living with HIV in the United States are projected to be 50 years of age or older. In response, the National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day annual campaign primarily targets increased education and awareness about: 1) People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) who are aging with the disease or already over 50 at the time of their initial diagnosis, 2) Increasing use of protection from HIV infection, especially among the baby boomer population, and 3) Increasing number of grandparents becoming the primary guardians for children who have lost their parent(s) to HIV/AIDS.   

The AIDS Institute invites organizations and community members to develop, implement and participate in local awareness activities and events on or around September 18, 2012.

The NHAAAD campaign is recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, and www.aids.gov.

For a complete listing of NHAAAD-related materials including the NHAAAD Community Planning Guide, and additional resources, feel free to visit the NHAAAD website at NHAAAD Information.