BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY

National Black AIDS/HIV Day is Feb. 7. Get info on the epidemic and our community.

Be Aware - Feb. 7 marks the 11th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). Founded by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and five other groups in 1999, the initiative has remained a grassroots effort, keeping the particular needs of the community on the forefront. In the United States 46 percent of people living with HIV are African American, despite the fact that Blacks only make up 14 percent of the U.S. population.

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Be Aware - Feb. 7 marks the 11th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). Founded by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and five other groups in 1999, the initiative has remained a grassroots effort, keeping the particular needs of the community on the forefront. In the United States 46 percent of people living with HIV are African American, despite the fact that Blacks only make up 14 percent of the U.S. population.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - On this commemorative day, Blacks are encouraged to get educated, tested, and get treated around HIV/AIDS. There will be special events such as press conferences, town hall meetings, church services, community marches and rallies, candlelight vigils, and free HIV testing to raise awareness.

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National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - On this commemorative day, Blacks are encouraged to get educated, tested, and get treated around HIV/AIDS. There will be special events such as press conferences, town hall meetings, church services, community marches and rallies, candlelight vigils, and free HIV testing to raise awareness.

Stigma - Stigma also puts too many African Americans at higher risk for HIV and AIDS. Many at risk for HIV infection fear stigma more than knowing their status, choosing instead to hide their high-risk behavior rather than seek counseling and testing. For example, in a recent study of men who have sex with men (MSM) in five cities, 67% of the HIV infected black MSM were unaware of their infection.

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Stigma - Stigma also puts too many African Americans at higher risk for HIV and AIDS. Many at risk for HIV infection fear stigma more than knowing their status, choosing instead to hide their high-risk behavior rather than seek counseling and testing. For example, in a recent study of men who have sex with men (MSM) in five cities, 67% of the HIV infected black MSM were unaware of their infection.

Statistics - Not only do Blacks make up almost half of the U.S. HIV population, but they also account for most of the new infections each year. Although race is not a risk factor for HIV infection, a range of issues contributes to the disproportionate HIV risk for Blacks in the United States, including poverty, stigma, higher rates of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), drug use, and poor access to health care.

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Statistics - Not only do Blacks make up almost half of the U.S. HIV population, but they also account for most of the new infections each year. Although race is not a risk factor for HIV infection, a range of issues contributes to the disproportionate HIV risk for Blacks in the United States, including poverty, stigma, higher rates of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), drug use, and poor access to health care.

Young People and HIV/AIDS - With 70 percent of teens diagnosed with HIV/AIDS being African American in 2006, youth are also disproportionately affected by the illness’ spread. In addition, a 2008 CDC report indicated that 48 percent of young African American teens were infected with at least one of the most common STDs (chlamydia, herpes, HPV, trichomosniasis). This is in comparison to 20 percent of young White women. A 1999 study indicates that having certain STDs can increase someone’s chances of getting HIV.

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Young People and HIV/AIDS - With 70 percent of teens diagnosed with HIV/AIDS being African American in 2006, youth are also disproportionately affected by the illness’ spread. In addition, a 2008 CDC report indicated that 48 percent of young African American teens were infected with at least one of the most common STDs (chlamydia, herpes, HPV, trichomosniasis). This is in comparison to 20 percent of young White women. A 1999 study indicates that having certain STDs can increase someone’s chances of getting HIV.

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Get Tested - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 million Americans are living with HIV or AIDS and more than one in five do not know it. If you do not know your HIV status, you should seek a test immediately. According to the CDC, one in 16 black men will be diagnosed with HIV at some point in his lifetime, as will one in 30 black women. There are many places that offer free and low-cost confidential testing. Visit www.hivtest.org or call 1-800-CDC-INFORMATION.

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Get Tested - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 million Americans are living with HIV or AIDS and more than one in five do not know it. If you do not know your HIV status, you should seek a test immediately. According to the CDC, one in 16 black men will be diagnosed with HIV at some point in his lifetime, as will one in 30 black women. There are many places that offer free and low-cost confidential testing. Visit www.hivtest.org or call 1-800-CDC-INFORMATION.

Be Part of the Solution - HIV is 100% preventable. Using a condom each and every time you have sex can help prevent HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has spent more than $600 million annually over the last few years in the form of prevention programs. With increased awareness about how the disease is spread and knowing how to avoid risky behaviors, people can reduce their chance of infection. And with treatment and medication, people living with HIV can manage their illness.

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Be Part of the Solution - HIV is 100% preventable. Using a condom each and every time you have sex can help prevent HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has spent more than $600 million annually over the last few years in the form of prevention programs. With increased awareness about how the disease is spread and knowing how to avoid risky behaviors, people can reduce their chance of infection. And with treatment and medication, people living with HIV can manage their illness.

Bi-partisan Meeting - The president will meet with a group of Republican and Democratic senators to discuss energy and climate legislation on Tuesday.

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Government Initiatives - Starting in 2009, the Office of National AIDS policy travelled the country engaging in community discussion about ways to slow the spread of infection to Americans overall. Other than the meetings, the office also used online feedback as well as expert meetings hosted at the White House for a more in depth look at how HIV is affected the community. In July of 2010 the office released its official National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States.