February 7 marks the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was created to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Black community. The perception traditionally has been that HIV/AIDS is a disease of the gay community and of IV drug users. However, recent statistics have shown that HIV/AIDS is really everyone's burden and this is especially true of the Black communities. With the African Americans being disproportionately represented among new cases in many parts of the states, it is imperative that Black communities and health services focus on education and prevention. In honour of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, many free testing stations are being set up at health clinics and churches throughout the United States. The push is for people to become educated around HIV/AIDS, to get tested, and if need be, get treated.
