10/23/2025
Education is a powerful force in ending HIV stigma. In the 1980's, Ryan White, whose previous school barred him from attending classes following a diagnosis of AIDS, showed gratitude for being accepted into a new school when he said, “I’m just one of the kids, and all because the students at Hamilton Heights High School listened to the facts, educated their parents and themselves, and believed in me.”
This moment of compassion didn’t just welcome Ryan to his school in August 1987, it shifted hearts and made a national impact. 💞
Ryan’s courage and this story of acceptance sparked nationwide change. In his honor, Congress passed the Ryan White CARE Act—and today, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program still provides essential medical care, medications, and support services to over half a million people living with HIV, often serving as the safety net when insurance falls short.
Ryan’s legacy reminds us: education breeds understanding. And programs like the Ryan White initiative show how lasting support can transform lives and communities.
Let’s keep the story moving forward through conversation, compassion, and shared commitment.