Tags: February 28th is HIV is Not A Crime Awareness Day
Founded in 2022, HIV is Not A Crime Awareness Day was purposefully established between the end of Black History Month and the start of Women’s History Month to bring awareness to two populations that are disproportionately affected by both the HIV crisis and HIV criminalization.
HIV is not a crime, but in 29 states in the US, people experience criminalization due to their HIV status. While the state of California no longer has laws criminalizing HIV transmission or exposure, in some cases, people living with HIV may still experience sentencing enhancements due to their status.
These laws not only stigmatize people living with HIV, but also the accessibility of testing, prevention, and treatment resources. Ending the HIV epidemic is impossible without first addressing the criminalization of people living with HIV.
When loving kindness meets practical care, no one has to go it alone.
