National
February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
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Jan 26, 2008 - 10:18:04 AM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Mark your calendars and make plans to participate in the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), recognized each year on February 7th.NBHAAD is a national mobilization effort designed to encourage African-Americans across the United States and Territorial areas to get educated, get tested, get treated, and get involved with HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities. This year’s theme is “Prevention is Power.”

Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day planners and organizers nationwide are committed to increasing awareness of this deadly disease. Confirmed celebrity spokespersons involved in this year’s campaign include: Tatyana Ali (Privileged, The Brothers, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air); Angela Bassett (Meet the Browns, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Waiting to Exhale); Dr. Creflo Dollar (founder of World Changers Church International); Tony Dungy (SuperBowl 2007 Champ and head coach of the Indianapolis Colts); Patti Labelle (renowned singer and entertainer); Angel Moore (ER); Sydney Poitier (Knight Rider series); General Colin Powell (former U.S. Secretary of State); Sheryl Lee Ralph (Moesha, Sister Act, To Sleep With Anger) Theresa Randle (State of Mind, Bad Boys I & II); Gina Ravera (The Great Debaters, The Closer, Soul Food); Tavis Smiley (world renowned speaker and author), and Tracie Thoms (Cold Case)

HIV/AIDS is a leading killer of African-American men and women. Many of those who are infected with the disease are unaware of their HIV status and may unknowingly transmit the virus to others. This is why it’s critical for African Americans to get educated, get tested, get treated and get involved!

“I encourage everyone to make February 7th the day you get educated about HIV, and a day when you talk to others, your family members, your friends, and your partners about HIV,” says Dr. Kevin Fenton, Director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention. “If you have never had an HIV test, or had your last HIV test some time ago, do consider getting tested again. Knowledge is truly power. It is the power to protect. It is the power to educate. And it is the power to make a difference.”

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.

According to the 2000 census, blacks make up approximately 13% of the U.S. population. However, in 2005, blacks accounted for 18,121 (49%) of the estimated 37,331 new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the United States in the 33 states with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting.

NBHAAD is currently directed, planned and organized by a group known as the Strategic Leadership Council who partners with the CDC to mobilize communities and address specific issues in regards to local epidemics and best practices that are science based and will influence the course of HIV in Black communities across the country. For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, call (888) 259-9534 or visit www.blackaidsday.org.

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