National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Hi folks,

Today, I’d like to deviate, yet again, from our regularly scheduled, personal-finance programming to talk about science/pharmacy - more specifically, Hemophilia and HIV. Today is April 10th, which is “National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day,” which is recognized by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP).

Many of us pharmacists may recall a brief mention of Ryan White during our infectious disease/HIV modules in school. I thought it would be nice to take a look back and understand who Ryan White was and his impact on HIV/AIDs treatments.

Ryan Wayne White, born in 1971, was diagnosed with hemophilia days after his birth in Indiana. At the young age of 13, he faced another life-altering diagnosis of AIDS. 

How did this happen? 

In order to treat his hemophilia, he required infusions of factor. Back in the 70s and early 80s, we didn’t understand much about HIV/AIDs. Because we didn’t know much at that time, we didn’t have the HIV/viral screening tests we do today for blood donations and factor infusions, which are sourced from blood.

Aside: Today, factor infusions are heat-treated to kill the HIV virus. There have been no transmissions of HIV through factor products in the US since 1987.

Ryan was was only given 6 months to live when he saw his doctors in December of 1984. However, he defied all odds and continued to inspire people for five more years.

Everything changed in 1985 when his middle school banned him from attending classes due to fears around disease transmission. This resulted in a lot of media attention putting Ryan in the spotlight and made him into a symbol of courage as he fought for his right to education and acceptance.

Not only did Ryan make the headlines, but his actions made their way into the White House. President George H.W. Bush signed the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act into law in August 1990. This legislation revolutionized support systems for individuals living with HIV/AIDS by ensuring access to essential care, treatment facilities, and educational resources.

Ryan White’s legacy lives on through the various clinics and programs bearing his name across America today - most notably, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program which stands as one of the largest providers of services dedicated to fighting the HIV virus within US borders.

This day certainly motivates me to go the extra mile because I know the work we do impacts people, like Ryan, whose health and lives are better off because of our efforts. It’s a privilege to work in the field of pharmacy and help our fellow man. 

I hope this post inspires you, too! 

Thanks for reading and catch you next time!