Images provided by NIH/NLM
In 1981, a new disease appeared in the United States. Reactions to the disease, soon named AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), varied. Early responders cared for the sick, fought homophobia, and promoted new practices to keep people healthy. Scientists and public health officials struggled to understand the disease and how it spread. Politicians remained largely silent until the epidemic became too big to ignore. Activists demanded that people with AIDS be part of the solution. Health professionals and longtime activists continue to develop new ways to care for people living with HIV/AIDS and prevent the disease from spreading.
Learn about the history of AIDS and AIDS activism by visiting the National Library of Medicine's traveling exhibit, Surviving & Thriving: AIDS, Politics, and Culture.
The exhibit is on display in the UofL School of Public Health and Information Sciences lobby now through October 1, and at Kornhauser Health Sciences Library from October 2 through October 21.
If you cannot stop by to see the exhibit in person, you can view the exhibit and get additional resources on the National Library of Medicine exhibition website.