Today, Dec. 1, is World AIDS Day.

An estimated 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV and don’t even know it. Today is a great time to raise awareness, get tested and do what you can to help the millions of people all over the world living with and/or affected by this epidemic disease.

You can also participate in the Facing AIDS initiative. Download the sign. Snap a pick with your message. And upload it to Flickr. An easy yet powerful way to raise awareness.

You can also join one of the RED campaigns to turn different social media portals red: facebook, twitter, foresquare and meetup. (While you’re at it, you can do some Christmas shopping and help a great cause. Or, at the very least get yourself a Starbucks tomorrow to benefit RED.)

This is a world public health issue. This affects every group of people, race, gender, sexuality, income level… everyone! As the old slogan said, “You don’t have to be infected to be affected.” And if that isn’t enough… think about the babies. According to the RED campaign, nearly half a million babies with HIV were born last year.

I hope you do what you can today and every day. Get tested! Support those in our own community. Let’s kick this disease’s ass!