06/05/2026
Forty-five years ago, on June 5, 1981, the CDC published a report in their Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report describing a cluster of unusual illnesses among previously healthy young men in Los Angeles. What no one knew at the time was that these cases marked the beginning of one of the most significant public health crises in modern history: the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Since then, HIV/AIDS has claimed more than 45 million lives worldwide, including more than 700,000 lives in the United States.
Today, we honor:
🕊️ Every life lost
❤️ Caregivers, community members, professionals and volunteers who stood with those living with HIV
📢 Activists who refused to be silent
💘 People currently living with HIV
While tremendous progress has been made in prevention, treatment, and care, the fight to end HIV is not over. Now in our 40th year of service, Action Wellness continues to work tirelessly to ensure those we serve have the essential services they need to live long, healthy lives.
As our fiscal year comes to a close on June 30th, we invite you to make a gift to Action Wellness and help support this vital work:
https://www.actionwellness.org/donate/direct-donation/