June 5th and June 27th mark both HIV long-term survivors awareness day and National HIV Testing Day, which hold great importance to Action Wellness and the HIV community.
HIV Long Term Survivors Awareness Day, started on June 5th, 1981 at the beginning of the AIDS pandemic and AIDS awareness month before it was given the namesake AIDS. The day acts as a way to honor people who have been battling HIV/AIDS for an extended period of time. The awareness day also shines a light on organizations like Action Wellness, which makes sure survivors receive physical and mental health care, medication, and living necessities like food and shelter. The day also enforces that young people living with the virus are protected by law and are not painted as shameful or criminal, but valuable and loved.
