February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

It may be appropriate that National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is recognized each year on the 7^th of February coinciding with Black History Month.

In February, much focus is placed on Black people and the issues that affect them, and according to the 2000 census, blacks make up approximately 13 percent of the U.S. population. However, in 2005, blacks accounted for 18,121 (49 percent) of the estimated 37,331 new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the United States in the 33 states with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting.

This year, some of Hollywood’s finest celebrities and entertainers have joined in to recognize this worthy cause. NBHAAD is a national mobilization effort designed to encourage African-Americans across the United States and Territorial areas to get educated, get tested, get treated, and get involved with HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities. This year’s theme is “Prevention is Power.”

HIV/AIDS is a leading killer of African-American men and women. Many of those who are infected with the disease are unaware of their HIV status and may unknowingly transmit the virus to others. This is why it’s critical for African Americans to get educated, get tested, get treated and get involved!

To find out about an event in your area, and to obtain more information, visit the website at www.blackaidsday.org