ANAC celebrates Southern HIV Awareness Day

Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day serves as a critical moment for healthcare professionals to address one of the most pressing public health challenges facing our nation.

Founded by the Southern AIDS Coalition, this day calls attention to the disproportionate number of people living with HIV in the South. We recognize the urgent need to spotlight this health disparity: the South accounts for 38% of the U.S. population but 53% of the nation's new HIV cases.

For nurses on the frontlines of HIV care, SHAAD represents both a call to action and an opportunity to amplify our voice in addressing these health inequities through evidence-based practice, community partnership and patient-centered care.

Brandi Cunningham Carey, LPN, ACLPN (She/Her/Hers)

Clinical Quality Manager, Comprehensive Care Center of SWLA

Years as an ANAC member: 3

Local ANAC chapter: Houston Gulf Coast Chapter

ANAC committees: Rural Committee

What does Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day mean to you?

I have worked in the HIV/AIDS field since 2016 and I have had the opportunity to see and be a part of so much positive change in my community, but the stigma in the deep south seems to go nowhere. Southern HIV Awareness Day, to me, is a reminder that our fight isn't over- we are still on the battlefield! Southwest Louisiana is a very rural area with limited resources and minimal education regarding sexual health. Before working in this field, I couldn't tell you where to be tested/screened or educated on HIV/AIDS in my area, which says to me our work is not done.

I can remember seeing one of my high school classmates at work my second day on the job, being from such a small community it is likely that you will run into people you know often, and that in itself has kept so many people from being screened. The look on their face when they saw me broke my heart, but it also motivated me to work harder at trying to eliminate the stigma around HIV/AIDS. My manager has stressed "Education = Prevention" in EVERY training since I've been in public health and I realize now more than ever how lifesaving it is for our community.

I promised myself years ago that I would be here to see a time that we aren't diagnosing any new cases of HIV/AIDS - and I plan to do just that! I am hopeful that Southern HIV Awareness Day will continue to encourage people to at least have the conversation regarding testing/screening.

What’s your favorite aspect of ANAC membership?

I love the networking and the support that we show one another. From my very first meeting with the Houston Gulf Coast Chapter, I felt like family! These last 3 years have been amazing with ANAC, I have met so many wonderful people and learned so much. I am looking forward to my future with ANAC!

Who/what inspires you?

I am inspired by my patients. They often express how thankful they are for our help, but they don't realize the impact they have on us as well. I have built bonds with some of my patients that I will have forever. I have also found inspiration in my co-workers and peers. I work for an amazing agency that has made my experience in this field amazing!

Association of Nurses in AIDS Care | 800.260.6780 | anac@anacnet.org | nursesinaidscare.org