World AIDS Day
Each year on December 1st, we commemorate World AIDS Day. This important awareness day remains a time to reflect on our worldwide response to HIV/AIDS while honoring the lives of those lost to AIDS-related illnesses. On this day, we also renew our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of those with HIV, as well as those at risk for infection.
The U.S. Government (USG) theme for World AIDS Day 2022— Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV— emphasizes accountability and action, affirming the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication to ending HIV, both in the United States and around the globe, through an approach that centers on communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic. This year, we observe World AIDS Day in the context of two other infectious disease threats—COVID-19 and monkeypox—which have heavily impacted many of those same communities. These epidemics have further highlighted that our public health response to HIV will require us to address health disparities holistically.
The theme also highlights the importance of HIV testing. Everyone should get tested for HIV and know their status. No matter what the outcome of the test, we will provide you with the necessary HIV prevention and treatment services, including strategies to address social determinants of health and barriers to access.
We have made remarkable strides since the first World AIDS Day commemoration 34 years ago. Scientific research has yielded innovations in HIV care, treatment, and prevention so that individuals with HIV can enjoy longer, healthier lives. Robust scientific studies have also shown that people who are on HIV medication and achieve and maintain viral suppression cannot spread HIV to others, which means that successful treatment further drives down new transmissions. These advances have been possible due to strategic collaborations between governments, public-sector partners, multilateral institutions, nongovernment and philanthropic organizations, private companies, and research institutions. People with HIV have been central to this progress, and community-based organizations working in areas most affected by HIV are at the forefront of ensuring that the advances we have made translate into real improvements in the health and lives of the people they serve.
Yet despite our tremendous progress, our work is not finished. Globally, there are approximately 1.5 million new cases of HIV every year, including over 35,000 new infections in the United States. Due to stigma, discrimination, and other structural factors, certain populations and geographic areas continue to bear most of the burden of this disease. We remain deeply committed to ending HIV everywhere by engaging and empowering communities, and by ensuring that our programs, research, and policies are informed by the voices of those populations most impacted by HIV.
“This World AIDS Day, we acknowledge the role equity plays in either the success or failure of our Nation’s HIV response. Providing equitable access to HIV testing, prevention, care, treatment, and research is key to ending the HIV epidemic,” said Harold Phillips, Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy. “The COVID-19 pandemic has tested our resolve and our ability to focus on ending the HIV epidemic. This World AIDS Day, we must recommit and re-energize all sectors of society to center equity within our HIV response by ensuring that everyone with HIV and those at-risk for infection have access to appropriate HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services. We encourage everyone to get an HIV test and to help us combat HIV-related stigma. As we work to implement the National HIV AIDS Strategy, this year’s theme reminds us that the time has come to act, and for all of us to put ourselves to the test of ending HIV.”
If you or someone you love has questions about HIV or the HIV test, contact us at the Five Towns Community Center at (516) 239-6244.
Goals & Objectives of (HPS)
The HIV/STI Program realizes the importance of prevention education and early detection of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI). The Program is funded by the New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute since 1996.
Community Based Programs
- Client Advocacy supportive services to HIV+ individuals and their families.
- Risk Reduction counseling services to individuals and groups who are at high risk of HIV/STI infection.
- Community Street Outreach services throughout Nassau and parts of Queens Counties.
- Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBI) provides science-based, community, group, and individual-level HIV prevention interventions: Adult & Youth Empowerment groups, etc.
- Prevention and Education presentations in schools, organizations and other community based settings.
- Adult & Youth Peer Educators training
- Referrals for free HIV/STI testing at community-based sites.
- Information and Referrals for LGBTQIA programs & services, Hepatitis C, Overdose Prevention and Re-Entry services.
- FREE HIV TESTING
HP Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm
CONTACT US: (516) 239-6244
Program Director Ext. 263
Program Educator Ext: 258
Community Coordinator Ext. 276
Healthcare Navigator Ext. 273
HPS Office Assistant Ext. 238
Fax : (516) 239-0683
