National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

This year’s theme is prevention and testing at every age; care and treatment at every stage.
Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) recognizes the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls. CMDHD is an advocate by making progress toward eliminating HIV and AIDS in our region. In the United States, about 23% of people living with HIV were assigned female at birth (AFAB). In 2018, AFAB individuals were roughly 19% of newly diagnosed, with those aged 25 to 44 making up the highest percentage (CDC). These individuals continue to remain vulnerable to infection – especially those who are black and/or Hispanic. In 2018, black people accounted for the largest share of new HIV diagnoses among those who were AFAB. 
CMDHD is a welcoming place for people of all ages, gender identities, and sexualities. An estimated 14% of transgender women have HIV. According to the new National HIV/AIDS Strategy, an estimated 44% of black transgender women, 26% of Latina transgender women, and 7% of white transgender women have HIV.
Transgender women experience stigma and discrimination and often encounter healthcare providers who lack knowledge of transgender issues and proper inclusive language. If you are interested in education on any of these topics, please visit our website at www.cmdhd.org and complete the Sexual Health Education Request Form under the Health Promotion Services tab.
CMDHD offers free HIV rapid testing, confirmatory testing with linkage into care, self-HIV test kits, and anonymous partner notification services. CMDHD also has safe and sterile syringe service that provides sterile equipment for people who inject drugs. Prevention services and contraception are available at every appointment, along with risk reduction and abstinence education. Poverty, stigma, medical mistrust, and fear of discrimination remain factors that prevent all from getting tested, seeking care and prevention services, or reaching out for support.
The Central Michigan District Health Department, which serves the counties of Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola, and Roscommon. Visit our website at www.cmdhd.org and follow Central Michigan District Health Department on Facebook.