DHSS Press Release |
Date: February 7, 2008 DHSS-13-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
GET EDUCATED. GET TESTED. GET INVOLVED. GET TREATED.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Feb. 7 marks the eighth annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) joins the national call for awareness and action and encourages African Americans in Delaware to get educated, get tested, get involved and get treated for HIV/AIDS. As part of the statewide observance, Beautiful Gate Outreach Center, in conjunction with the Faith Community Partnership, is sponsoring an evening event called "Prevention is Power" at the Double Tree Hotel in Wilmington. Community organizations will participate and present informational displays.
HIV/AIDS is one of the ten leading causes of death among African Americans. While African Americans represent approximately 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for nearly half (49 percent) of the nation's AIDS cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"HIV/AIDS is hitting Delaware's African-American communities as hard as it is hitting similar communities across the nation", said Dr. Jaime Rivera, DPH director. "It's vital to get tested. If needed, get treated. Please don't put it off any longer."
The CDC estimates that more than 25 percent of those with HIV may not know they are infected. "When applied to Delaware HIV/AIDS statistics, that statistic suggests that as many as 530 African Americans in Delaware that are infected with HIV may not know they are infected," Dr. Rivera said. "So they are not getting the treatment they need, and may unknowingly infect others."
Free, confidential HIV tests are available through DPH and deliver results in 20 minutes. To find the nearest free HIV testing site, visit www.hivtest.org and type in your zip code or call 1-800-CDC-Info (1-800-232-4636). For more information about tonight's free event, please call Beautiful Gate at (302) 472-3002 to register. Seating is limited.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
