National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: I Am My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper

Dr. Wanderlust, Nerd Corner

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We all go day in and day out updating our statuses and pictures on Facebook! Instagram! Twitter!! But it is time to update the one status that truly matter.... Get your HIV Status Update

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As you know, I have always had a strong interest in HIV research. Currently working in the field, mainly on how HIV affects the brain and aging, I still find it important to stress the everyday issues of HIV. While my blog posts are usually more geared towards traveling, I wanted to shed some light on a very serious matter, especially among Black communities in America. 

February 7, marks the 15th year of  National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!! This was first observed in 1999 initiated in response to the growing HIV and AIDS epidemic in African American communities.  The theme for 2015 is:

 

“I Am My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS!”

National-Black-HIV-AIDS-Awareness-Day

 

So why do Blacks/African Americans need a special Awareness Day!? Well, let's look at the facts!

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 48,893 new cases of HIV infection in the US. Among this almost 50,000 people, 46% were BLACK! Get the picture? 

 

Further blacks have a HIGHER RISK of HIV Infection! Why?.... let's head back to the facts!

It is not that blacks engage in more risky behaviors than other ethnicities, but other underlying factors continue to put blacks at a high risk.

  1. Blacks have a higher percentage of people living with HIV, and so mating with others of the same race increased the risk of HIV infection.
  2. Rates of other STIs are higher in black communities, and this increases the risk of HIV spreading.
  3. Poverty levels in some black communities is higher than the national average and thus may have less access to healthcare.
  4. Many blacks were living with HIV without knowing it, and some were not diagnosed until the late stage of the disease. Thus there could be a spread to others during this time course
  5. Even with those of knowledge of the disease, ONLY 1 in 3 are getting the treatment they need for viral suppression

 

If you are in the Tampa Bay Area, head over to 

Walgreens at 1001 South 78th Street, 33619

On Friday, February 6 between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

They will be offering FREE HIV/STI Testing, cholesterol and glucose testing, food drinks and educational information.

 

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If not you can find and event near you at: http://nationalblackaidsday.org/events/

To learn more facts and information: http://www.cdc.gov/features/blackhivaidsawareness/

 

So what are you waiting for....

Get Educated! Get Tested! Get Involved! Get Treated!

 

I updated my status.... DID YOU?

Dr. Wanderlust

I am a Neuroscience Graduate Student, Past Professional Volleyball Player with a love for traveling the world, cultures and adventures. I am a frugal traveler so I am always looking out for great deals, but I am also very much into trying new things, meeting new people and learning no matter where I go. Check out my signature iJump photos from around the world.