It seems like ages ago when everyone was terrified of AIDS. Now with HPV, earthquakes, terrorists and a looming North Korea attack on our to-worry-about lists, AIDS can sometimes seem like a distant memory. But we need to still be concerned. Why? Because according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of Asian and Pacific Islanders living with AIDS has climbed by more than 10 percent in each of the last five years. In 2006, more than 15,000 Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. were living with HIV/AIDS; more than three-fourths contracted HIV through sexual contact, and 30 percent were not aware that they had HIV at all – more than any other ethnic group. Clearly, we can’t afford to be complacent.

On December 1, 2010 (that’s today!), along with thousands of organizations and individuals, Until There’s A Cure will observe the 22nd annual World AIDS Day. 2011 is the 30th anniversary of AIDS, and although great progress has been made in last 30 years, the challenge is far from over. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for everyone to come together and recognize our shared responsibility for helping everyone affected by AIDS.

How can you get involved?

Get Tested and Share the News — Are you Already Tested? On December 1, 2010, everyone all over the world will get together and post the day we got tested in our Facebook status. To share the news, click to “Like” Already Tested. It’s time to restart the conversation!

Be a Part of the Conversation – Today’s technology allows us to reach more individuals than ever before! Leverage these platforms to help restart the conversation about AIDS:

Make your Voice Heard — One of the most powerful things you can do, to encourage awareness and advocate, is to call or write your Congressperson voicing your support for AIDS vaccine research and care funding. Let your Senator or Representative know that you’re concerned about HIV/AIDS in the United States and around the world.