February 7 marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed annually to raise awareness about the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black communities and to spotlight the need for equitable, culturally responsive prevention, testing, and treatment services. HIV/AIDS has disproportionately impacted Black communities since the start of the epidemic in the early 1980s¹, and that disparity has only deepened over time. Despite representing approximately 12% of the U.S. population, Black people account for nearly 39% of new HIV diagnoses and 40% of those living with HIV (PLWH) in the United States². Among Black Americans, Black women, youth, and gay and bisexual men experience some of the highest rates of HIV diagnosis compared to other groups².

These inequities are not the result of individual behaviors alone. Structural and systemic barriers—including limited access to affordable health care, mistrust of medical institutions rooted in historical and ongoing racism, and persistent cultural stigma surrounding HIV—contribute to delays in testing, diagnosis, and treatment at critical stages of intervention. Mass incarceration and its far-reaching social and economic impacts on Black communities have also been shown to increase vulnerability to HIV transmission, further compounding existing health disparities³.

At Whittier Street Health Center, closing these care gaps is central to our mission to reduce health disparities and racial inequities in the communities we serve. To address these barriers in Black communities, Whittier has expanded its services with the addition of a dedicated PrEP Navigator and an Infectious Disease Specialist. These team members provide education, guidance, and personalized support to help patients access PrEP and other life-saving sexual health services, while supporting sustained engagement in long-term care.

In addition to PrEP navigation, Whittier offers free and confidential HIV testing, treatment services, and comprehensive care for patients living with HIV. Our team is committed to breaking down barriers to care and ensuring that patients are empowered with the knowledge and resources needed to reduce HIV transmission and live healthy, fulfilling lives.

On February 6, Whittier’s Infectious Disease and Special Populations (IDSP) Department will host a resource table on the ground floor of the health center to share information, resources, and on-site support focused on HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. By engaging our community in these conversations, we aim to reduce stigma surrounding HIV diagnosis, increase awareness of available testing and treatment options, and strengthen connections to culturally responsive care.

For more information about Whittier’s HIV services, please visit https://www.wshc.org/infectious-disease-and-special-populations-department/.

References

1. Royles, D. (2022). Why Black AIDS History Matters. Black Perspectives. Retrieved from https://www.aaihs.org/why-black-aids-history-matters/.
2. Kaiser Family Foundation. (2024). The Impact of HIV on Black People in the United States. KFF> Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/hiv-aids/the-impact-of-hiv-on-black-people-in-the-united-states/.
3. National HIV Curriculum. (2025). HIV and Corrections. University of Washington. Retrieved from https://www.hiv.uw.edu/pdf/key-populations/hiv-corrections/core-concept/all.