National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day:
Fact Sheet

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On this page:
Introduction
How Organizations Can Participate
HIV/AIDS Facts for Minnesota
For More Information

March 20, 2013 marks the seventh annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day to increase awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, and to encourage HIV testing and honor and reduce stigma among those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS under the theme of, “Honor our ancestors! Protect our people! Take the test!”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2009, 3,702 American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) AIDS cases have been reported. An estimated 2,387 AI/ANs are living with HIV/AIDS. AI/AN population rank fourth in the US (among all ethnicities) in rates of new HIV/AIDS cases by population size.

How Organizations Can Participate

Organizations may wish to provide or host activities that can help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and encourage HIV testing within their communities and neighborhoods:

  • Work with local health service or clinic to provide free walk-in HIV tests at clinic or at a community location or event
  • Hold a forum at a local school, youth center or community center
  • Host a community event such as a health fair, sports tournament, fun run/walk, candlelight vigil or social/mini Pow Wow 
  • Hold a prayer vigil or sweat lodge to remember those who have passed, affected and infected by HIV/AIDS
  • Develop web pages, YouTube videos and social media posts about HIV/AIDS
  • Invite leaders (Tribal, IHS, school) or person living with HIV to talk about HIV/AIDS
  • Encourage a Tribal newspaper, school or health program to sponsor a poster contest
  • Develop news release about HIV/AIDS and send to Tribal newspapers
  • Arrange for schools to commemorate this observance through exhibits, DVDs, student art displays and guest speakers/peer educators from local AIDS organizations
  • Call for a Tribal Proclamation/Resolution to commemorate the observance

HIV/AIDS Facts For Minnesota

Total Cases

As of 12/31/11, a total of 9,785 HIV and AIDS cases have been reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) since the epidemic began. Of the 9,785 cases, 3,347 have died. Among American Indian cases:
  •  221 (2%) American Indian cases have been reported
  •  98 American Indians have died

Living Cases
There is an estimated 7,136 that are currently living with HIV in Minnesota. Of this total:

  • 121 (2%) were American Indians (includes those who have relocated to Minnesota)
  • Among American Indian cases, 70 were males and 51 were females
  • Among male American Indian cases, 68% were among men who have sex with men (MSM), 18% MSM/injecting drug users (IDU), 9% IDU, 3% heterosexuals and 2% other
  • Among female American Indian cases, 80% were among heterosexuals and 20% IDU

2011 Diagnosed Cases
292 new HIV cases were reported in 2011. Of these cases:

  • 4 (1%) cases were among American Indians
  • Rate of 7.2 per 100,000 for American Indians

Minnesota surveillance reports are available.

For More Information

National Native American AIDS Prevention Center
720 Colorado Blvd., Suite 650-S
Denver, CO 80246
(720) 382-2244, ext. 306
achee@nnaapc.org
http://www.nnaapc.org
Contact: Alvin Chee

Other helpful links include:

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Updated Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 14:11:59 CST