Thursday, September 18, is the seventh annual National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (NHAAAD). Led by The AIDS Institute and other national partners, the 2014 NHAAAD theme is “Aging is a part of life: HIV doesn’t have to be.”

NHAAAD focuses attention on the needs of people ages 50 and older living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS, from prevention and testing to treatment and care. The awareness day also spotlights the need for data targeting the aging population and a better understanding of the effect of the aging process on HIV/AIDS.

Related events will take place nationwide all week to promote this awareness day. Examples include a community discussion for HIV-positive and HIV-negative survivors of the epidemic hosted by GMHC on Wednesday, September 17, and an open house hosted by ACRIA to discuss the needs of older adults on Thursday, September 18.