Breaking stigma, saving lives: Honoring National HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

Tennessee Donor Services (TDS) is proud to recognize HIV/AIDS Awareness Month this December, honoring the millions of lives affected by HIV/AIDS and highlighting the ongoing need for community support and awareness. 

HIV/AIDS Awareness Month is a time to educate the public, reduce stigma, and acknowledge the critical contributions of donors, healthcare professionals, and advocates working to improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS. Sierra Donor Services underscores the role organ, eye and tissue donation can play in saving and enhancing lives, including those living with HIV.

“This December, as we observe HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, we stand in solidarity with the millions of individuals and families touched by HIV and AIDS. At Tennessee Donor Services, we reaffirm our commitment to compassion, community support, and education, because awareness saves lives, and every life deserves dignity, care, and hope,” said Jill Grandas, Chief Executive Officer of Tennessee Donor Services.

Standing Together as a Community

At Tennessee Donor Services, our work is founded on compassion, connection, and the belief in the power of community. HIV/AIDS Awareness Month is an opportunity to reaffirm these values:

• We support continued education to dispel myths and eliminate stigma.
• We encourage open conversations that promote understanding and empathy.
• We honor the strength of individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS.
• And we continue to uplift organizations and advocates working tirelessly toward prevention, treatment access, and the search for a cure.

In this season of reflection and unity, we invite our community to join us in honoring those touched by HIV and AIDS and in supporting ongoing efforts to expand awareness, research, and care. Together, we can create a future where everyone affected by HIV/AIDS receives compassion, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.

Tennessee Donor Services encourages individuals to become registered donors, noting that donation provides hope and healing to thousands of patients in need of organ and tissue transplants, including those living with HIV.