Awareness Necklace

During Black History Month, a nationally recognized day passed with little to-do. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day celebrated its 10th anniversary Feb. 7th. The lack of events comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in 500 students are infected with HIV. A student majoring in social-work was over heard saying she was unaware of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. According to a study presented at the International AIDS Conference in 2004, “a lack of awareness of HIV/AIDS by university students in the U.S. gives reason for concern that an attitude of indifference or complacency is rempant throughout college campuses.” New educational methods are needed to to improve students awareness about the HIV pandemic.

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.

Here are some resources to educate and promote this important issue

Fact Sheets:
View and download these fact sheets. Post them on bulletin boards, share with local newspapers and ditribute at events!

http://www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/factsheets/february7.html

Events:
Find Exist Disclaimer local events and register Exist Disclaimer your events.

http://www.blackaidsday.org/index.html

Mobile Resources:
To find an HIV Testing location near you, send a text message with your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948)

or visit www.hivtest.org