Annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day observed Feb. 7
Public awareness events scheduled in Minnesota
While African Americans represent approximately 13 percent of the U.S population, they account for nearly half of the total AIDS cases reported in this country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As part of an effort to address the impact of HIV/AIDS on African American communities, the ninth annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) will be held Feb. 7 across the country and in Minnesota. With the theme of Black Life is Worth Saving, organizers hope to raise awareness and encourage African Americans to get tested, get educated, get treated and get involved within their communities to halt the spread of this disease.
"Our highest HIV rates are seen within African American and African-born communities in Minnesota," said Peter Carr, director of the STD and HIV Section, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). "We need to sound the alarm and call attention to this situation around the country and in our own state."
Minnesota's African American and African-born populations continued to have higher rates of infection compared to whites in 2007. Statewide rates for African Americans were nearly 13 times greater than whites and rates for African-born communities were 28 to 40 times greater than whites. Currently, there are 2,050 African American and African-born persons living with HIV in the state.
The Office of Minority and Multicultural Health at MDH provides capacity-building funding to eight community- based organizations to impart knowledge and skills that strengthen individual abilities and organizational systems (including community) in the fight to eradicate HIV/AIDS. In addition, the STD and HIV Section at MDH currently funds 22 programs through 16 agencies aimed at preventing the spread of HIV in adults and young people of all races who inject drugs and/or engage in sexual behaviors that transmit HIV.
"Socioeconomic status appears to be the most important factor in communities and neighborhoods where higher rates of HIV infection are seen," Carr said. "Limited incomes means lack of insurance, limited access to health care, poor housing situations, homelessness, social stigma, risks associated with incarceration, and marginalized social status."
"Since there is no cure or vaccine for HIV infection, education, knowing your status and safe sex practices remain our most effective means of stopping this epidemic," said Carr. "One of the ways to start is to take advantage of the free HIV educational and testing opportunities occurring on behalf of NBHAAD."
The MDH Web site provides information and a calendar of local activities for NBHAAD at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/hiv/worldaidsday/nbhaad/index.html.
The MDH HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report-2007, which includes data specific for the African American and African-born communities, can be found on the MDH Web site at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/hiv/hivstatistics.html.
Information about HIV is also available from the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) AIDSLine, 612-373-2437, 1-800-248-2437. MAP AIDSLine offers statewide information and referral services, including prevention education, HIV risk assessments, HIV testing and referrals to HIV testing sites, as well as community resources and prevention programs that serve the African American and African-born communities.
For free downloadable posters and resources on behalf of NBHAAD 2009, visit http://www.blackaidsday.org/ the NBHAAD Web site or call 1-888-259-9534.
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