This week, the first ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States was launched. I was soooooo excited to see this! Whether this strategy is perfect or not, it shows that we have an administration committed to fighting the epidemic in this country and providing funding to do so. Plus, the strategy gives special attention to the people at higher risk- including communities of color.

As I was reading over the strategy, there was a section that really stood out to me:

“The job, however, does not fall to the Federal Government alone, nor should it. Success will require the commitment of all parts of society, including State, tribal and local governments, businesses, faith communities, philanthropy, the scientific and medical communities, educational institutions, people living with HIV, and others. The vision for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy is simple:

The United States will become a place where new HIV infections are rare and when they do occur, every person, regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic circumstance, will have unfettered access to high quality, life-extending care, free from stigma and discrimination.”

I was moved by the vision statement. And after I read it I thought of how great it would be for ANY sickness, disease, or infection. Anyone who knows me know that I’m a big supporter of HIV/AIDS prevention along with providing support to those affected by it, but public health is so much bigger than one cause. Try thinking of it this way:

“The United States will become a place where [any bad health conditions you can think of] are rare and when they do occur, every person, regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic circumstance, will have unfettered access to high quality, life-extending care, free from stigma and discrimination.”

This is the kind of vision I support. We really do have to all do our part to support the health of our communities. Health care is a right, not a privilege. Let’s stay aware of these strategies that are being put into place. Don’t be afraid to ask your government officials how the funding for these programs is making its way into our communities. But also, don’t forget to do your part to support them in your area too. A nation of healthy people IS attainable, so let’s put the work in to get there.

Check out the Strategy for yourself: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/NHAS.pdf

Be happy. Be healthy. Be strategic.

- Leslie

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