Adult Medicine, Advocacy, HIV/STD Screening & Treatment, Pharmacy, Public Health

March 10 is National Women and Girls HIV Awareness Day

09
Mar

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) is an annual observance that takes place on March 10.

By Barrett White

 

Did you know that a woman in Texas is diagnosed with HIV every 12 hours? Though the HIV epidemic may not get as many headlines, HIV infections are still on the rise. This is especially true for women of color. In fact, Black women have a disproportionately higher lifetime risk of HIV infection – in Houston, Black women are 17 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than white women.

It doesn’t have to continue to be this way. Texans can take back their health with the help of health care providers, like Legacy.

Legacy is committed to ending the HIV epidemic with our comprehensive list of HIV-specific services, like free walk-in HIV testing – no appointment needed. Legacy also offers same-day PrEP. PrEP is a once-daily pill you can take that prevents HIV by over 90% when taken as directed, per the CDC. Legacy also offers HIV treatment and care services for people living with HIV, including a unique approach for women that takes into consideration their holistic health care needs such as gynecology, pregnancy, and parenting.

“National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day reminds us that women are at risk for HIV, but they can also take control of their risk though proven options like PrEP,” says Jennifer Hadayia, Senior Director of Public Health. “For women living with HIV, being virally suppressed by being in HIV treatment means they can live a long and healthy life for themselves and their families, and also prevent HIV transmission to partners.”

Legacy has been providing HIV care for nearly 40 years. Our expert staff can answer all your questions about HIV testing, prevention with PrEP, and treatment, including how to make your HIV care affordable. You may even qualify for a free at-home HIV test kit!

“On NWGHAAD, I want all women to know that they deserve a healthy, safe, and fulfilling sexual and reproductive life,” Hadayia says.

Get involved! Share what you want all women to know on National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by posting on social media using the hashtags #NWGHAAD and #StopHIVTogether.

Everyone has an HIV status. Know yours. Visit LegacyCommunityHealth.org/GetTested, or call (832) 548-5221 in the greater Houston area or (409) 242-2613 in Beaumont to learn more.