Feb. 28 is HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day, dedicated to raising awareness about the injustices faced by people living with HIV due to outdated and discriminatory laws. Initiated by the Sero Project and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, this day amplifies the voices of those criminalized based on their HIV status and advocates for change.

The 2025 theme, "You care about ending HIV criminalization. You just don’t know it yet," is part of the HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day initiative. This theme aims to raise awareness about the unjust criminalization of people based on their HIV-positive status. It highlights that many people may not realize the importance of ending HIV criminalization, but once they understand its negative impacts on health and human rights, they will care deeply about it.

HIV criminalization laws prosecute people living with HIV for behaviors that would not be crimes if they did not have HIV. These laws often ignore current scientific understanding of HIV transmission and disproportionately impact marginalized communities, including Black and Latino individuals, and sex workers.

Black individuals make up 45% of people living with HIV but represent 56% of those with prison sentences for HIV-related crimes.

Women constitute 27% of people living with HIV but account for 51% of those incarcerated for HIV-related offenses.

Between 1997 and 2020, at least 154 people were incarcerated in Florida prisons for HIV-related offenses, resulting in 205 separate convictions.

The total cost of incarcerating individuals for HIV-related crimes in Florida over the past two and a half decades is estimated at $12 million.

As a community, we can combat HIV criminalization and support those affected by advocating for legal reform to modernize or repeal outdated laws, educating others about HIV transmission and the harmful effects of criminalization, and providing emotional and practical support, including legal assistance and counseling. Additionally, promoting regular HIV testing and ensuring access to treatment for all are crucial steps. To remove the stigma, we must foster open conversations that challenge myths and misconceptions, highlight positive stories of individuals living with HIV who are thriving, and engage with media to ensure accurate and respectful representation of people living with HIV.

By coming together, we can break down barriers of stigma and discrimination, build bridges of support and understanding, and create a world where HIV is not a crime. Let us use Feb. 28 to reflect, educate, and advocate for a more just and inclusive society. Together, we can be effective.

Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale is making significant strides in the fight against HIV. As a comprehensive, nonprofit, Catholic teaching hospital, Holy Cross Health is committed to providing compassionate and inclusive care to all individuals, including those living with HIV. The many ways that Holy Cross Health has made an impact include: 

• Community Outreach and Education: Engages in community outreach to raise awareness about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment through workshops, health fairs, and support groups.

• Support Services: Offers counseling, case management, and access to medications to help individuals manage their health and improve their quality of life.

• Advocacy and Legal Support: Advocates for the rights of people living with HIV and collaborates with local organizations to provide legal assistance and support.

• Recognizing Heroes: Honors individuals who make significant contributions to the HIV/AIDS community, such as Von Biggs, recognized with the Unsung Hero Award for his advocacy work.

• Collaborative Efforts: Enhances impact by collaborating with various organizations, including the Broward County Ryan White Planning Bodies, and voted representatives to the FL State Health’s HIV Community Planning Network, to ensure comprehensive care and support for people living with HIV.

HIV criminalization has had significant and detrimental effects in Florida, impacting both individuals and the broader community. Black individuals and women are disproportionately affected by these laws, facing higher rates of incarceration. The enforcement of HIV criminalization laws has led to substantial legal and financial burdens, with numerous incarcerations and significant costs over the past decades. Additionally, these laws perpetuate stigma and discourage individuals from getting tested or seeking treatment, resulting in reduced willingness to disclose HIV status and lower rates of testing and treatment adherence. 

Advocacy groups and healthcare organizations in Florida are working to address the negative impacts of HIV criminalization through legal reform, education and awareness, and support services.

By addressing these issues, Florida can move towards a more just and equitable approach to HIV, reduce stigma and improve public health outcomes. For those living with HIV, know that you are not alone. Your voice matters, and your experiences are valid. This day is a reminder that we stand with you in the fight for justice and equality. Let us continue to break barriers and build bridges, ensuring a brighter future for all.  #HIVIsNotACrime