February 7th is best known as National Black  HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. For the 11th anniversary, this year’s motto is ” It takes a village to fight HIV/AIDS, we believe it also takes an industry.” During this day, and every day, we want to let the community know the importance of testing and treatment. If we don’t get tested, we won’t know. Many organizations like LIFEbeat have partnered with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to bring awareness to high risk communities. Many factors such as socioeconomic status, lack of awareness, drug injection and needle sharing, and unprotected sex can lead to spreading this disease.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, these are the facts!

-1 in 16 black men and 1in 30 black women will be diagnosed with HIV.

-In 2008, an estimated 18,328 blacks received an AIDS diagnosis, a number that has remained relatively stable since 2005.

-By the end of 2007, an estimated 233,624 blacks with a diagnosis of AIDS had died in the US and 5 dependent areas. In 2006, HIV was the ninth leading cause of death for all blacks and the third leading cause of death for both black men and black women aged 35–44.

 Let’s beat the statistics! Do yourself and the world a favor. GET TESTED!

Kia Chenelle