Ordinarily, the last Sunday in August marks National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NFHAAD). But 2020 is no ordinary year, and NFHAAD events are spread from Thursday, August 27, through Monday, August 31. It’s a time for people of all faiths to unite in efforts to end the epidemic and fight HIV stigma within their communities. In 2020, it’s also a time to inspire people of faith to get out and vote.

Elections are coming up in November and panelists discuss how our lives depend on this election season, especially when...

Posted by National Faith HIV & AIDS Awareness Day on Tuesday, August 25, 2020

This year, amid the COVID-19 crisis and the physical distancing it requires, NFHAAD features five days of virtual prayer services, conversations and performances, including a cross-section of religious leaders. Visit FaithAIDSDay.com and the event’s Facebook page @faithaidsday for details, but here’s a sampling:

  • Friday, 3 p.m.: Muslim prayer services with Imam Daniel Hernandez

  • Saturday, 12 p.m.: Jewish prayer service with Rabbi Dadoun

  • Sunday, 7 p.m.: “HIV and Faith in Resilience and Renewal”: Conversations on the legacy and future of the U.S. faith response to HIV and AIDS

  • Monday, 5 p.m.: “Get Out and Vote: HIV & COVID is on the Ballot”: A virtual town hall with Max Boykin of the Black AIDS Institute; Larry Bryant of the American Civil Liberties Union; Abdul El-Sayed, a public health doctor and former candidate for governor of Michigan; and Naina Khanna of Positive Women’s Network–USA

Join us on Monday, August 31st at 3 pm for a Buddhist prayer led by Bhikkhu Sāgarānanda Tien right here on Facebook...

Posted by National Faith HIV & AIDS Awareness Day on Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Don’t worry if you missed an event or are unable to watch it live. Videos of the events remain posted on Facebook, like this one about Muslims and HIV:

Amplifying the voices of HIV+ Muslims, their allies, and community experiences.

Posted by National Faith HIV & AIDS Awareness Day on Thursday, August 27, 2020

Launched by HIV-negative ally Khadijah Abdullah and her nonprofit organization, RAHMA (Reaching All HIV+ Muslims in America), the first NFHAAD day was held in August 2017. You can read more about her in the POZ profile “Fighting With Mercy.” Abdullah also penned a HuffPost blog about RAHMA titled “Are You Woke Yet?”