Tracker Pixel for Entry

Ruth Buffalo: National Native HIV-AIDS Awareness Day

Letters to the Editor | March 20th, 2022

To the editor,

In 2018, I became the first Native Democratic woman elected to the North Dakota State Legislature. I proudly serve my district and advocate for my community. COVID-19 made headlines when it ravaged the Native community, as have many health and wellness issues throughout my life and career.

There’s one health inequity Native populations face that isn’t making headlines anymore - HIV/AIDS.

The U.S. HIV epidemic has become more concentrated in marginalized and disenfranchised communities. HIV health disparities are striking, with more infections occurring in minorities and communities of color than in other populations. The most recent statistics from 2012-2016 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate a 34 percent increase in HIV diagnoses among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Sunday, March 20th is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day to shine a light on the need for more testing and continued education on HIV/AIDS. The Native community in our state needs accurate, accessible, and actionable HIV information that is culturally tailored by and for Natives. The geographical distances, cultural differences, and the sheer number of Tribal Nations mean there is no “one size fits all” approach for Native people, therefore partnerships must be built and resources dedicated towards mitigating the epidemic for our citizens.

HIV-related disparities are often connected to a multitude of risk factors, including poverty, lack of access to quality education, and lack of affordable housing. All of these are exacerbated by inconsistent funding for Indian Health Service (IHS), and community-based organizations.

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a time for us to remember those that have passed, and acknowledge those who have been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. More importantly however, it is a day to acknowledge the ongoing fight against the disease we must not back down from, to bring greater equity and improved quality of life for everyone impacted by it.

To honor the day, join us locally on Sunday, March 20 from Noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Indigenous Association located in Fargo at 720 1st Ave N. for free food From Tee’s Tacos, HIV testing, and a chance to be in the community together.

And more importantly, please get educated, tested, and get treated for HIV.

North Dakota State Representative Ruth Buffalo

Recently in:

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comNorth Dakotans will take part in a nationwide civil rights rally on Thursday, July 17. Protests, marches, rallies and acts of service are scheduled in Bismarck, Bottineau, Devils Lake,…

Back-to-school season is on the horizon, but there's still plenty of summer left. Check out our favorite August attractions and events in North Dakota and western Minnesota. And if if you missed them, here are a few excellent May…

July 18-19, 25-26 and August 2-3North Dakota Horse Park, 5180 19th Ave. N., FargoLadies and gentlemen, prepare to place your bets — racing season is upon us! Not just horses will be racing this year; word on the street suggests…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com On July fourth, Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest took place at Coney Island. The winners, Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, reigned victorious. Chestnut earned his 17th title by…

By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comWhy doesn’t the world require politicians to leave office at 60?Most of the leaders of countries, whether gods, fascists, democrats or socialists, are not doing very well these days. David Van…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Rick Gion and Simone Wairickgion@gmail.com The Red River Market returned to downtown Fargo on Saturday, July 12. The event will take place every Saturday except July 19. (That date will be moved to Sunday, July 20, due to the…

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comThe Moorhead Public Library will offer three free, all-ages outdoor concerts featuring regional bands this summer. The series begins on June 12 with the Meat Rabbits, a group that blends…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comPhoto by Sabrina Hornung Wing, North Dakota is a town of 132 located about an hour northwest of Bismarck on Highway 36. There’s a shiny new Cenex on the intersection of the highway and the high…

By Deb Wallworkdwallwork@icloud.comI first met Catherine Mulligan at a party at her house. It was a small gathering, spontaneous, just a few people over for dinner. Directed toward a stack of plates and bowls and a big pot warming…

By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comPhoto by Yvonne Denault There is something intimate and personal about plays. Even in our age of multimillion dollar Hollywood productions and droves of streaming services, watching actors…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

The drug that keeps re-purposing itselfBy Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com There is a drug that is getting a lot of attention nowadays all over the world. It has various commercial names (Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus), but…

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson@rocketmail.com Working in the Bakken oil fields of the Williston Basin is so different from my home in Fargo. I'm not judging, because the people working and living in western North Dakota are very…