Power In Progress: Honoring World AIDS Day

Red ribbon on a marble background next to bold red text reading World AIDS Day with a globe outline; date Dec 1 is in the corner. Staying healthy should feel simple and empowering. Today, HIV prevention and treatment options make that possible. This World AIDS Day, we celebrate how far care has come, and how you can take control of your health with choices that fit your life.

In the early years, treatment options were limited, and life expectancy after diagnosis was often less than a year. The identification of HIV as the cause of AIDS in 1983 marked a turning point, and by 1987 the first antiretroviral medication offered hope despite its challenges. [hiv.gov]

Since then, progress has accelerated, and prevention tools have expanded dramatically. Today, there are options for every lifestyle, from daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to long-acting injectable treatments that last up to six months, making HIV prevention more accessible and flexible than ever before. [cdc.gov]

New HIV cases have dropped by 61% since 1996, and AIDS-related deaths have fallen by about 70% from their peak in 2004. People who start treatment early can now expect long, healthy lifespans, a reality that was unimaginable in the 1980s. [unaids.org]

For more than 40 years, Care Resource has been part of this progress. Today, we offer primary medical care, dental services, behavioral health, case management, and in-house pharmacy services, all designed to support people living with HIV and anyone seeking compassionate care to prevent HIV. This evolution reflects a commitment not only to treatment but to holistic well-being.

Prevention Made for Real Life

Protecting yourself from HIV is easier than ever. You can choose:

Daily oral PrEP: A pill that reduces HIV risk by up to 99% when taken as prescribed.

Long-acting injectable PrEP: Injections every two or six months mean no daily pills and fewer clinic visits. These options are ideal for busy lifestyles or anyone who prefers simplicity.

From the uncertainty of the 1980s to today’s multiple prevention options, and comprehensive care, we have witnessed a transformation in science and in lives. Care Resource has been there to support the community with every advancement, and every effort to reduce stigma has contributed to greater dignity, health, and freedom for people living with HIV.

For media inquiries, please contact Jonathan Welsh, Director of Marketing and Communications at jwelsh@careresource.org.