February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which was established to encourage more blacks to be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to educate the black community regarding the importance of HIV prevention, early detection, and treatment.
A nationally recognized commemorative day, NBHAAD will include special events such as press conferences, community forums, church services, community marches and rallies, and free HIV/AIDS testing, counseling and referrals which will be held throughout the nation.
The Facts
- Blacks are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.
- While making up only 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for more than 49 percent of AIDS cases.
- AIDS is now the leading cause of death for Black women ages 25 to 34, and the second leading cause of death for Black men ages 35 to 44.
For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, call (888) 259-9534 or visit www.blackaidsday.org.
In the nineties, I believe, my ‘Statistical Abstract of the US’ reported that blacks made up 16% of the US. I’ll have to check your numbers. What a dramatic change.
The HIV number are shocking; I really can’t fathom why they are so high! It’s kinda sad that in this day of modern education and instant access to news that we can’t get these numbers down. A computer in every house? I don’t think we are there yet.
dont forget to wear hat before having sex
I think this happen when people take easy on this issue. When people too smart they think they can avoid this disease but in reality they can’t. Don’t know how to stop this being increase.
not much aids in Cuba as anyone with the disease gets quarantined. their family have the right to go with that person, or stay home……..I think that is what should happen all over the world…..heck when I was young they use to quarantine everyone in the household if you got chicken pox………there is enough information out there about HIV (unless you are tied to a palm tree in Antarctica ) that people should know to take precautions when dealing with their partners.especially one night stands.
Elaine,
The thing I don’t like about such studies is the information they don’t give you. They don’t say how much of it has to do with drug use (needles), transfusions, or how much has to do with sex and/or the body fluids responsible because of people not caring enough about themselves or their partners.
I am glad to see people that I admire, like Bill Cosby, speak out against popular black youth culture, in music, that does not promote personal responsibility.
It all starts in the home. Even good intentioned teaching of condom use in public schools, trying to show students how to be safer, doesn’t teach them morality, the value of human life, or that their immaturity of emotions and life experience isn’t conducive to making wise decisions when it comes to the human heart.
The ages represented are especially troubling because they are the example to the the youth and teen set.
Condoms do not guarantee protection against Aids either. All the education in the world doesn’t promise that individuals will act responsibly to other individuals… no matter the color or ethnicity.
Sure do enjoy reading everyone’s thoughts and your blogs, Elaine!