|
February 7, 2007
Little Rock -- February 7, 2007 marks the seventh annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). This national mobilization effort is designed to encourage African Americans across the United States to “Get Educated, Get Tested, Get Involved and Get Treated” for HIV/AIDS as this disease continues to devastate Black communities. Special events such as free HIV/AIDS testing, prayer breakfasts and town hall meetings will be held throughout the country.
The National Center for Health Statistics 2006 Report says that HIV/AIDS is one of the top 10 causes of death for African Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have indicated that HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for African American Women ages 25-34 in the U.S. Black youth 13-19 account for 73% of the young people infected with HIV/AIDS.
In 2006 it was estimated that 54% of new HIV cases nationwide were African Americans. African Americans are more likely to test later than other races according to Kaiser Foundation reports and are more likely to receive a diagnosis of AIDS from the initial positive test.
In Arkansas, 16% of the population is African American while 48% of the new AIDS cases and 47% of all new HIV cases are among African Americans.
Behaviors that put people at higher risk for HIV infection include having sex with a person who is already infected, multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, and injection drug use or being the sexual partner of a person who is using or has used injection drugs. Using a condom can reduce the risk of infection if used every time and used correctly. Monogamous relationships can also reduce your risk if you know you and your partner are both HIV negative. Getting tested regularly is the best way to know your status.
If you feel you are at risk, testing is available through the Division of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. Contact your local health unit. Free HIV Testing is available at these locations (please call for times): The Arkansas AIDS Foundation, Little Rock (501) 376-6299; Jefferson Comprehensive Care System, Inc., Pine Bluff (870) 543-2380; Delta Outreach, West Memphis (870) 702-4990; and the Alliance for Community Health in El Dorado (870) 866-1080. |
