Coming together to recognize World Aids Day

We believe that the best way to live better is by sharing real-world health experiences with each other, and today, PatientsLikeMe and aids.gov are encouraging everyone to share their own stories with HIV and AIDS. The theme of this year’s World Aids Day is “Shared Responsibility: Strengthening Results for an AIDS-Free Generation,” and you can participate by reaching out and speaking with the global HIV/AIDS community. If you’re wondering about HIV/AIDS, did you know that…

• Over 30 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, including over a million people in the United States¹
• Many people with HIV don’t experience any symptoms until they progress toward AIDS, and as a result…¹
• 1 in 5 Americans living with HIV/AIDS are unaware of their condition²

So, how can you do your part to raise awareness today (and beyond) and help people learn more about this condition? You can:

• Plan your own event using Aids.gov guidelines
• Check out their Facing AIDS photo gallery and submit your own photo
• Watch the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2013 Vital Signs report about HIV and join the “Lets Stop HIV Together” campaign
• And if you're sharing your story on twitter, don't forget to use #FacingAIDS

There are over 3,500 PatientsLikeMe members sharing their journey with HIV and AIDS in the community forums. Today, and every day, you can share your own story and help change the lives of others for good.