April 10 marks National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day to celebrate progress in HIV care, empower young people with knowledge and resources, and highlight the important role communities play in prevention and support. First observed in 2013 and organized by Advocates for Youth, this initiative encourages young people to access accurate information, prevention tools, and compassionate care.

Thanks to advances in HIV treatment and prevention, young people today have more opportunities than ever to take charge of their health. With access to testing, care, and prevention tools, adolescents and young adults can stay healthy, achieve viral suppression, and live full, vibrant lives while also helping to reduce new HIV transmissions in their communities.

Here in Northeast Pennsylvania, The Wright Center for Community Health has been a leader in HIV testing, treatment, and support for more than two decades through its Ryan White HIV and Infectious Disease Clinic. The clinic serves nearly 500 patients across seven counties, providing coordinated, whole-person care at community health centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.

As a U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Ryan White Part C provider since 2002, The Wright Center offers integrated primary and preventive services for individuals living with or at risk for HIV. Today, over 95% of the clinic’s patients have achieved undetectable viral loads, reflecting both the effectiveness of treatment and the dedication of patients and care teams.

Beyond medical care, the clinic emphasizes emotional well-being, social connection, and community support. HRSA-funded Part B case management helps patients navigate housing, transportation, insurance, and behavioral health needs, empowering them to live fully and independently. The clinic also supports continuity of care for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community, ensuring access to essential HIV services.

The clinic welcomes new patients and provides care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The Wright Center is committed to engaging and supporting young people with accessible, inclusive, and stigma-free services.

National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on April 10 is a reminder that education, testing, and early treatment are powerful tools. By investing in young people, providing supportive care, and promoting community engagement, we can continue to build on decades of progress and move toward a future free from HIV-related stigma and new transmissions.

Mary Louise Decker, M.D., FACP, FIDSA, is a board-certified infectious disease physician and infectious disease medical director for The Wright Center for Community Health. She leads The Wright Center’s Ryan White HIV and Infectious Disease/HEP C Clinic. To make an appointment, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-941-0630.