NATIONAL HIV VACCINE AWARENESS DAY
On May 18th, National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day annually recognizes thousands of volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists who work together to find a safe and effective HIV vaccine.
The day also promotes continued awareness and education concerning HIV vaccine research. Over 30 years have passed since HIV was identified as the cause of AIDS. However, researchers continue in their mission to develop a vaccine. While treatments and preventative measures exist to help those impacted by HIV and AIDS, a viable vaccine is still the only means to prevent its spread.
Around the world, 37.9 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the virus seems to spread the most in the poorest and most underprivileged communities in the world. They have the least access to educational information, preventative measures, and medical treatment.
This observance focuses on the continued need to develop a successful vaccine for HIV.
HOW TO OBSERVE #HIVVaccineAwarenessDay
For more information on events and activities visit the National Institutes of Health website and use #HIVVaccineAwarenessDay and #HVAD to post on social media.
NATIONAL HIV VACCINE AWARENESS DAY HISTORY
Organized by the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, this day is also a day to educate our communities about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research. Community activities and media events are being held around the country in recognition of the observance.
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May 18th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History
1945
Ernie Pyle, war correspondent and columnist, dies in Japan as the result of wounds received by enemy fire.
1953
Jacqueline Cochran, a pioneer in women’s aviation, piloted an F-86 jet and became the first woman to break the sound barrier.
1980
Mount St. Helens erupts along with a magnitude 5+ earthquake in Washington state. While most of the ash fell within 12 miles of the resulting crater, ash dispersed in a cloud around the world.
1991
Helen Sharman became the first British Astronaut in space when she joined the crew of the Soyuz. During her mission, Sharman also became the first woman to visit the Mir space station.
May 18th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
Reggie Jackson – 1946
Also known as Mr. October for his postseason clutch hitting, Reggie Jackson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993. He spent the bulk of his career with the Oakland Athletics with three World Series wins and taking home MVP honors in 1973.
Then in 1977, after Jackson had signed with the Yankees, he added another series win and MVP honor to his name. Jackson and the Yankees earned another World Series Championship a year later.
During his career, he hit 563 home runs and 2584 hits with a batting average of .262.
George Strait – 1952
The award-winning country music singer, songwriter has been producing music for more than 40 years. Considered the “King of Country,” Strait dabbled in movies starring in films like Pure Country.
Jeana Yeager – 1952
In 1986, Pilot Jeana Yeager joined Dick Rutan in Voyager, a lightweight aircraft designed by Burt Rutan. They took off from Edwards Air Force Base and completed the first nonstop flight around the world without refueling. They completed the flight in 9 days.
