If you’ve seen the South Park episode about Cartman getting AIDS, you might think that cancer is “all the rage” and that AIDS just isn’t a big deal anymore. It’s true that AIDS doesn’t seem to be getting the attention it used to, largely because it’s sometimes treatable these days; but the fact remains that it’s still an enormous threat to our society that needs to be talked about, understood, prevented, and most of all, cured.

33.4 million people are living with HIV today, 2.1 million of which are kids. In 2008 alone, 2.7 million more were infected—and 2 million died from the disease. AIDS is definitely a youth killer; about half of people who contract the disease do so before they turn 25, and die before turning 35. That said, it affects all ages—as well as all races, genders, and people all over the world.

During this month, you can help learn more about AIDS and raise awareness by…

Knowing the facts and sharing them. Tell friends and family about AIDS and how important it is to you that they all practice safe sex. You could always do what my sister does—send out condoms in Christmas cards with the message, “Have a warm, safe holiday!”

Teaching your children to be safe. Remember it’s not just about sex ed, either—discuss the dangers of sharing needles, coming into contact with another’s blood, etc. In fact, if you keep a first aid kit in the car or your home, it would be a good idea to include a pair of hospital grade gloves for emergencies.

Getting tested, or helping people get tested. If you aren’t sure about your own safety—in other words, if you’re sexually active period—you should definitely get tested at your health clinic just to maintain your own safety—and peace of mind.

Playing this AVERT AIDS Game or sharing it with people you know. You can test your knowledge about AIDS, sex, and other related issues, or take a quiz on condoms, HIV transmission, and other subjects.

Wearing a red ribbon. Sure, that’s simple—but sometimes it’s the simplest gestures that get people talking. If your school normally celebrates Red Ribbon Week for drug awareness, see if you can get them to do one about HIV/AIDS, including education materials, seminars or talks about the disease, and hopefully some sex education. Put a giant red ribbon around something in your yard or home, like the White House has done.