Since 2008, NAP has seen a increase in the number of young HIV+ clients seeking services. As of today NAP serves 29 people under the age of 24. In 2008 we served 9 people under the age of 24. That’s an almost 3 fold increase (263%) in three years*. According to the State of Nebraska, the number of new HIV infections in the 24 and under age range increased from 14 in 2008 to 30 in 2009. Given our current knowledge of HIV, and how to prevent its transmission, this is entirely unacceptable.
On November 27th, KETV aired a feature on the 10pm news recognizing the growing number of young people living with HIV. The report featured a Tommy Dennis, a young man living with HIV, explaining what it was like for him to learn about his diagnosis. Tommy is taking and stand and is now dedicating his time to share his story and raise awareness. Thank you to KETV and Melissa Fry for bringing awareness to the HIV epidemic in Nebraska. See the report here.
The last 20 years have seen great progress in the battle against HIV/AIDS. Innovative treatments and medications have changed what was an almost certain death sentence into a more manageable condition. Many AIDS Service Organizations, around the country, like NAP, continue to provide compassionate and empowering support to people living with HIV.
However, there is still much work to do. Just because we have made progress against HIV does not mean the fight is over. HIV continues to strike at every demographic group with more than 50,000 new infections diagnosed annually in the U.S. Over 200,000 people in the U.S. have HIV and do not know it due to lack of education and the social stigma that surrounds HIV/AIDS. Today there are approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. Every 9 ½ minutes someone in the U.S. is diagnosed HIV positive.
Our biggest enemy is silence. Misconceptions, fear and discrimination thrive in silence. The conversation must shift from fear and discrimination to one of understanding and progress. On this eve of World AIDS Day, let’s all be advocates and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS like Tommy.
*Please also understand that an increase in the number of young HIV+ people seeking services from NAP does not necessarily mean the rate of HIV infection among that age group is increasing.
