Gwen Moore Recognizes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Washington, DC,
February 22, 2012
More than thirty years since the first cases of AIDS were reported, HIV continues to devastate the United States. Sadly, the African American community bears the brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic - with blacks representing only 12 percent of the population
Washington, DC –Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (W-4) released this statement acknowledging National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. “More than thirty years since the first cases of AIDS were reported, HIV continues to devastate the United States. Sadly, the African American community bears the brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic - with blacks representing only 12 percent of the population yet accounting for 44 percent of all new HIV infections in 2009. “While the number of new HIV infections per year among blacks is down from its peak in the late 1980’s, it has exceeded the number of infections among whites since that time. Even more devastating is the fact that the AIDS diagnosis rate for black men was the highest of any group, followed by black women. “It is past time that we shine a light on this critical health issue that continues to plague our community and work to create real solutions that will save precious lives. “In honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness day and this year’s theme ‘Changing the course of HIV/AIDS, 1 Black Life at a time’, I call upon everyone to take action now by raising awareness within our community and educating people on how to protect themselves from this deadly disease. I applaud the organizers of this worthwhile effort and will continue to work with them and others to bring an end to the scourge of HIV/AIDS both in this country and across the globe.” National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was created in 2001 by a coalition of five national non-profit organizations to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among the African American community. Celebrated each year on February 7th, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day encourages African Americans and all Americans to “Get Educated, Get Involved, and Get Tested”. For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day or how to get tested visit www.blackaidsday.org. ### For “Moore”News Updates Follow Gwen Like Gwen Moore on |
