National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative targeted at Blacks in the United States and across the Diaspora.
There are four specific focal points: to get educated, to get tested, to get involved, and to seek treatment (if needed).
Educationally, the focus is to get Blacks educated about the basics of HIV/AIDS in their local communities.
Testing is at the core of this initiative, as 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.
When it comes to community and organization leadership, getting Blacks involved to serve is another key focus. We need Black people from all walks of life, economic classes, literacy levels, shades and tones, as well as small and large communities to get connected to the work happening on the ground in their local areas. Getting those living with HIV or recently-tested positive for the virus connected to treatment and care services is paramount.
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.
We cannot lead Black people towards HIV/AIDS education, prevention, testing, leadership or treatment unless we love them. And, we can't save Black people from an epidemic unless we serve Black people.
[NationalBlackAIDSDay.org]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
WITN Channel 22's 'Big Picture' allows viewers inside Press Conferences and Events. Giving you the big picture.
Thanks for watching
Paul & Paul
Paul Colsey - 576.2164 - pcolsey@wilmingtonde.gov
Paul Kennard - 576.2160 - pkennard@wilmingtonde.gov
