Tuesday, February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This year's theme is "I Am My Brother's and Sister's Keep. Fight HIV/AIDS." Here
in the United States, even as we have seen some decreases, the
statistics remain alarming for African American people and for Latino
people. For getting tested in the Plainfield area, contact: Iris House (630 E. Front Street, Ste. 100 at 908-561-5057) Hyacinth AIDS Foundation (107 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor at 908-755-0021), Planned Parenthood of Central and Greater Northern
New Jersey Incorporated (123 Park Avenue at 908-756-3736
908.756.3736
), and Neighborhood Health
Services Corporation (1700 Myrtle Avenue at 908-753-6401, ext. 1301). Click on the link for more
sites in the area and in other communities: HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator
In addition, folks should be aware of the CDC's campaign to combat HIV/AIDS among Latino gay/bisexual men through its Reasons/Razones HIV testing campaign. Click here.
Below are some highlights--click here to be taken to the National Black HIV/AIDS Day web site.
"GET EDUCATED: The focus of NBHAAD is to get Blacks educated about the basics of HIV and AIDS in their local communities."
"GET TESTED: Testing is at the core of this initiative and is critical for prevention
of HIV in Black communities. It is hoped that Blacks will mark February
7 of every year as their annual or bi-annual day to get tested for HIV.
This is vital for those who are sexually active and those at high risk
of contracting HIV."
"GET INVOLVED: Getting Blacks involved to host and participate in NBHAAD events is
another key focus area. Whether it is organizing a testing and awareness
event at a local college, speaking about the importance of HIV
prevention and treatment at your local faith-based organizations, or
supporting a local AIDS service provider, it is key that you get
involved."
"GET TREATED: For those who have HIV, the connections to treatment and care services
are paramount. Seeing a doctor and receiving care, and taking prescribed
HIV medicines helps individuals stay healthy and reduces the risk of
transmitting the virus to others. Without treatment, HIV leads to AIDS
(acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and can lead to early death."
From the Centers for Disease Control website: "Led by the Strategic Leadership Council, this initiative [National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD)]
is designed to increase HIV education, testing, community involvement,
and treatment among black communities across the nation." Click here for
the CDC website:
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