National Native American AIDS Prevention Center

28/02/2026

Today, HIV-specific exposure and transmission laws still exist, and more than half of states impose enhanced criminal penalties based solely on HIV status, driven by stigma rather than science. Someone you love may still be paying the price.

HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day was first recognized on February 28, 2021 by the Sero Project and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Observed between Black History Month and Women’s History Month, the date acts as a bridge between both communities, which are most affected by HIV and criminalization.

Learn more and get your own resources to share by viewing our HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day newsletter, created in partnership with The Sero Project, Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, and FreeState Justice: https://mailchi.mp/nmac/nmac-newsletter-8687537?e=[UNIQID]

27/02/2026

📢 Open call for hearings with Indigenous Peoples on the Global Action Plan of Action for the Health of Indigenous Peoples

WHO is convening a series of hearings with Indigenous Peoples as part of the process to inform the development of the Global Plan of Action (GPA) for the health of Indigenous Peoples

These hearings aim to gather technical inputs from individual experts and non-State actors representing Indigenous Peoples, that are engaged across all areas of the health sector and key sectors addressing social and environmental determinants of health.

7 sessions will be held virtually over Zoom as follows:
👉 Wednesday 18 March at 9:00am (CST)- Session for Central, South America & the Caribbean
👉 Friday 20 March at 9:00am (PDT)- Session for North America
👉Monday 23 March at 12:00 (WGT)- Session for the Arctic
👉 Wednesday 25 March at 16:00 (EAT)- Session for Africa
👉 Friday 27 March at 11:00 (MSK)- Session for Central & Eastern Europe, Russian Fed., Central Asia & Transcaucasia
👉Tuesday 31 March at 18:00 (NZDT)- Session for the Pacific

To participate, pre-register by Wednesday 11 March at: https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/open-call-for-hearings-with-indigenous-peoples-on-the-global-action-plan-of-action-for-the-health-of-indigenous-peoples

📸Terry Reith

27/02/2026

https://mailchi.mp/nmac/nmac-newsletter-8687537?e=59cf2540c3

Commemorating the February 28 HIV Is Not A Crime Awareness Day is an opportunity to use our platform to highlight the important work of three partners: The Sero Project, Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, and FreeState Justice.

27/02/2026

Last chance to submit your story:

The HIV movement has always been shaped by truth-telling. This storytelling initiative honors that legacy by elevating community experiences with medical mistrust and system-level harm.

• Length: 400–700 words
• Tone: Reflective, personal, and solution-oriented where possible
• Format: First person preferred
• Include:
– A brief description of the experience
– How it impacted your trust in medical or public health systems
– What would have built or restored trust
– Any lessons for providers, institutions, or policymakers

If you are interested in contributing, email dbrown@nmac.org.

Deadline: February 27.

27/02/2026

Interested in people self-presenting as Indigenous?

Hosted by the Department of American Indian Studies, this symposium responds to the global phenomenon known as self-Indigenization, pretendianism, or ethnic fraud.

26/02/2026

We kindly request that you share this appeal with your professional networks. Due to funding cuts at all levels, NNAAPC requires your support to continue its vital work.

Find out what National Native American AIDS Prevention Center is supporting. Check out the fundraisers, nonprofits, and causes that National Native American AIDS Prevention Center is supporting today.

26/02/2026

24/02/2026

NCAI mourns the passing of JoAnn K. Chase (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara), a visionary leader and former Executive Director who strengthened NCAI’s national presence and advanced the rights of Tribal Nations across the United States. NCAI extends its deepest condolences to her family, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, and all who were impacted by her leadership, mentorship, and friendship.

JoAnn Chase served as Executive Director of NCAI and the NCAI Fund from 1994 to 2001. During her tenure, she transformed the organization’s capacity and reach, tripling its staff, operating budget, and Tribal membership. Under her leadership, NCAI became a stronger, more visible, and more effective advocate for Tribal sovereignty in the nation’s capital. She worked closely with Tribal Leaders, Congress, the Executive Branch, and national civil rights organizations to advance policies protecting Tribal self-determination and the rights of Tribal Nations.

Read the full statement here: https://www.ncai.org/news/ncai-mourns-the-passing-of-joann-k-chase-former-executive-director-of-the-national-congress-of-american-indians

16/02/2026

A reminder of the work and effort that advocates have dedicated to preventing HIV in Indian Country.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1K27aVpAKQ/?

13/02/2026

📢 In recognition of the fifth annual HIV Is Not A Crime Awareness Day, the Sero Project announces the premiere of To Be Free, a new documentary produced with funding from Gilead Sciences.

🎬 The 35-minute film will premiere on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by a 25-minute talk-back discussion featuring Lashanda Salinas of Hartsville, Michelle Anderson of Memphis, and Nathan Cisneros of the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. Registration required. Virtual viewing via Zoom.

👉Register here: https://bit.ly/tbfpremier

13/02/2026