Positive Women's Network - USA

PWN is commemorating National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day today! Started in 2007, and held on the first day of Spring, #NNHAAD is an opportunity for us to honor Native people living with HIV and their invaluable contributions to our movement. The disparities in HIV experienced by Native people are astounding: - Between 2018 and 2022, new HIV diagnoses among AI/AN persons increased by 30%, making them the only group other than Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islanders and Hispanic/Latine to see an increase. - In 2022, AI/AN people had the lowest level of knowledge of HIV status than any other racial or ethnic group. - In 2022, the rate of HIV diagnosis among AI/AN women (5.5%) were nearly three times as high as the rate of HIV diagnosis among white women (1.9%). Find this information and more on NNHAAD.org. Get connected with the National Native HIV Network, an Indigenous-led initiative that mobilizes American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities affected by HIV through peer-to-peer and programmatic support, training, and capacity building assistance, rooted in cultural values, teachings, and affection for Indigenous communities at nnhn.org. “This year’s theme [“Walking in Tradition, Anchored in Culture”] highlights the resilience and healing that comes from being deeply rooted in our cultures as Native people. HIV has significantly impacted our tribal communities, yet we continue to stand strong working every day to raise awareness, break barriers, and expand culturally responsive healthcare for our people,“ shared Devona Bradford, NNHN-Technical Assistance Center CBA Specialist. “When we walk in tradition and anchor ourselves in our cultural values, we strengthen our communities and move closer to ending the HIV epidemic in Indian Country.”

Please join us on Mar 19th at 5PM ET for a critical conversation Advocates Saving Ourselves: Defending Medicaid for PLHIV. ?? The healthcare systems that we rely on to survive are under attack from all directions & it’s time to break through the chaos and plan for action. We will be joined by guest presenters Tori Cooper, naina khanna, & Martha Sichone-Cameron. Register now at: linktr.ee/PWN_USA ??

The fight to end HIV criminalization starts with YOU! ?? The HIV Is Not a Crime National Training Academy (#HINAC6) is here to empower and educate individuals and communities to advocate for a world free of stigma, discrimination, and injustice. Join us at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, from May 31-June 3, 2025. Together, we rise for PLHIV leadership, racial justice, and the end of mass incarceration. ?? May 31 - June 3, 2025 ?? NC State University, Raleigh, NC ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/e6WtcC4w #HIVIsNotACrime #EndMassIncarceration #PLHIVLeadership #RacialJustice #HIVAdvocacy #SocialJustice

Today, PWN honors National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. ?? This day calls attention to the unique impact of HIV on women & girls, and motivates all of us to do our part in advocating for our community. Please join us on Mar 19th at 5PM ET for a critical conversation Advocates Saving Ourselves: Fighting for Medicaid for PLHIV. ?? The healthcare systems that we rely on to survive are under attack from all directions & it’s time to break through the chaos and plan for action. We will be joined by guest presenters Tori Cooper, naina khanna, & Martha Sichone-Cameron. Register now at: linktr.ee/PWN_USA ??

PWN calls on you to join us in recognizing the 4th annual HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day ?? Today we join the movement in fighting to end HIV criminalization, especially for those most impacted by HIV. Read our full #HINACDay statement & use the HINAC Day toolkit at linktr.ee/PWN_USA ?? #HIVIsNotACrime

PWN is excited to honor our Feb #Shero of the Month, Stephanie Knupsky (she/her) from PA! ?? Our past Shero Ruby joins the interview as they discuss their experience being honored for doing this work. Watch the full interview at linktr.ee/PWN_USA & drop some love in the comments for Stephanie!?? #PWNUSA #PWNShero

Apply to be a PWN-USA Policy Fellow to change systems and build power in our communities! ?? Our fellowship is a year–long program designed to support cis & trans women & TGD people living with HIV to gain skills in policy advocacy. It doesn’t matter where you live! Is it your turn this year? ?? Apply now at https://lnkd.in/ebEzYSuV

Black people continue to be most affected by HIV, yet Congress is proposing over $700M in funding cuts to HIV resources needed by those most disproportionately impacted. This #NBHAAD, tell your representatives in Congress to #SaveHIVFunding at bit.ly/savehivfunding2025

?? Congress is rushing through cuts to Medicaid that will strip health insurance from millions! They need to hear from you to STOP THESE CUTS. ?? Call your lawmaker now at 866-426-2631 and tell them reckless Medicaid cuts should be off the table! #HandsOffOurMedicaid #SaveMedicaid

Sharon DeCuir, PWN leader and reproductive justice champion for all women living with HIV in Louisiana, has joined the ancestors. Sharon was a fierce advocate for women, girls, people living with HIV, and the communities of Louisiana. She was a long-time leader with Positive Women’s Network-USA, serving as a member of our steering committee long before we had a Board of Directors, and then on the Board for many years as vice chair and treasurer. Sharon was also the senior and founding member of the PWN Louisiana Chapter, always showing up and supporting leaders throughout the South. Her resilience and unwavering determination meant that no challenge or adversity ever stopped her from making a lasting impact wherever she went, and her deep commitment to social justice was evident in every initiative she undertook. Our hearts go out to her family, the PWN Louisiana chapter, and everyone who knew and loved her. Read our full memorial for Sharon, including memories from PWN leaders and friends, here: https://lnkd.in/e5s6Ze-a Please feel free to comment under Sharon's altar with your offering of love.