Welcome back Tar Heels!
The UNC LGBTQ Center is excited to welcome everyone back to campus. We hope that everyone’s first day of class goes well – if you need to get out of the heat, dive into (or take a break from) your studying, or simply catch up with everything the Center has been up to, don’t hesitate to stop by!
We’ve been hard at work over the summer redecorating our space. When you stop in, you’ll see a refreshed common area, some new plant friends, and the same friendly faces of the Center team to welcome you in.
There are a couple awareness days in August as well! August 14 was Gay Uncles Day, commemorating and celebrating the relatives that enrich the lives of us all. How do you celebrate the members of your family that make you feel loved?
Upcoming on August 20 is Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, highlighting the unique ways that the Southern community is impacted by HIV/AIDS stigma and access to care. Understanding the scope of HIV/AIDS in our community can help us care for each other in the ways that we need. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the number of people with AIDS increased in 2023 compared to the previous five years, although this could be impacted by the delay in diagnoses from the pandemic shutdown (North Carolina HIV/STD/Hepatitis Surveillance Unit). There are several local organizations that provide valuable resources:
- Alliance of AIDS Services – Carolina: offers compassionate and non-judgmental prevention, support services, and connection to care.
- Orange County Health Department: offering free and confidential HIV testing at clinics in Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
- HIV Medication Assistance Program (HMAP): provides eligible low-income residents of North Carolina with essential medications for the treatment of HIV.
- North Carolina HIV Prevention and Care Networks: list of HIV prevention agency networks around North Carolina.
- Do you work in AIDS-related research? Consider exploring the UNC Center for AIDS Research.
- Interested in learning more about PrEP? The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers guides in English and Spanish for deciding if PrEP is right for you!
As always, the Center is open for you to connect with for support, resources, and education. Connect whenever you need!
Happy FDOC Tar Heels!
North Carolina HIV/STD/Hepatitis Surveillance Unit. (2024). 2023 North Carolina HIV Surveillance Report. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Communicable Disease Branch. Raleigh, North Carolina. Page i. Accessed 8/1/25.