World AIDS Day

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World AIDS Day – December 1, 2024

In 1988, the very first World AIDS Day was observed on December 1st. It is a day for people worldwide to unite in the fight against the AIDS epidemic, to show support for those living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have lost their battles to an AIDS-related illness. This year’s theme for World AIDS Day is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV.” It encourages people to unite globally to eliminate the disparities and inequities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and access to HIV care. Action Wellness has proudly recognized World AIDS Day since its inception, and has used December 1st as a day to remember those lost to HIV, reach out to those who need our services, and shed more light on the continuing struggles of those living with HIV.

In commemoration of World AIDS Day, we continue our special public awareness campaign called “Action Heroes Wear Red”. The purpose of the campaign is to refocus attention on the continuing stigma, discrimination, and other issues which affect people living with HIV.

From 9 am to 5 pm on Thursday, December 1st , we will post our Action Hero photos, HIV facts and video messages every hour on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, and on the World AIDS Day section of our website. Be sure to follow along on December 1st as we commemorate World AIDS Day.

Find Our 2022 World AIDS Day Facts and Health Resources Below:

PENN CFAR Awards

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Action Wellness Executive Director Evelyn Torres Wins Policy Maker Award

We’re thrilled to announce that Action Wellness Executive Director Evelyn Torres will be honored by Penn CFAR at their Red Ribbon Awards! The Red Ribbon Awards Ceremony, now in its 20th year, celebrates community members who have made extraordinary contributions in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We are truly honored to receive this award, and congratulations to all of the nominees!

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Philadelphia's Ending the Epidemic Plan

Of the 18,621 people living with diagnosed HIV in Philadelphia, 72.1% were assigned male sex at birth, 63.7% are non-Hispanic Black, 54.8% are aged 50 and older, and 38.9% are men who have sex with men. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has a goal that by 2025, 95% of people living with HIV will be virally suppressed. Action Wellness is proud to be a part of their plans.

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HIV Testing

CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. HIV testing is quick and easy, with rapid antigen tests offering results in 20 minutes or less. Action Wellness can help you get tested for free, and provide information about HIV prevention, treatment and care.

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PrEP

PrEP is a once a day pill that helps prevent HIV. It stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by at least 74% when taken as prescribed. Action Wellness helps connect our community with PrEP and information about HIV prevention and care.

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ART Treatment

The treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy, or ART. ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines daily. ART cannot cure HIV, but HIV medicines help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. ART also reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Action Wellness helps those living with HIV gain access to vital medications and keeps them connected to care.

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U = U

‘Undetectable = Untransmittable’ (U=U) is a campaign explaining how the sexual transmission of HIV can be stopped. When a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, it lowers the level of HIV (the viral load) in the blood. When the levels are extremely low (below 200 copies/ml of blood measured) it is referred to as an undetectable viral load. This is also medically known as virally suppressed. At this stage, HIV cannot be passed on sexually. Action Wellness can help you achieve viral suppression.

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Perinatal Care

Pregnant people with HIV should take HIV medicines throughout pregnancy for their own health and to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV. The risk of perinatal transmission of HIV during pregnancy and childbirth is lowest when the pregnant person has an undetectable viral load. Action Wellness offers perinatal services to help expectant parents and their babies stay happy and healthy.

2024 Action Heroes Wear Red

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Featured Press

 

  • ‘Action Wellness‘ 98.1 WOGL Philadelphia Agenda with Brad Segall–November 25, 2018

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