"I Am My Brother's and Sister's Keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS!"

Saturday, February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This year's theme is "I Am My Brother's and Sister's Keep. Fight HIV/AIDS." Here in the United States, even as we have seen some decreases, the statistics remain alarming for African American people and for Latino people. For getting tested in the Plainfield area, the CDC's HIV Testing sites are listed as: Hyacinth AIDS Foundation (25 Craig Place in North Plainfield), Planned Parenthood of Central and Greater Northern New Jersey Incorporated (123 Park Avenue), and Neighborhood Health Services Corporation (1700 Myrtle Avenue). Click on the link for more sites in your community: HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator

In addition, folks should be aware of the CDC's campaign to combat HIV/AIDS among Latino gay/bisexual men through its Reasons/Razones HIV testing campaign. Click here.

Below are some highlights--click here to be taken to the National Black HIV/AIDS Day web site.

"GET EDUCATED: The focus of NBHAAD is to get Blacks educated about the basics of HIV and AIDS in their local communities."

"GET TESTED: Testing is at the core of this initiative and is critical for prevention of HIV in Black communities. 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."

"GET INVOLVED: Getting Blacks involved to host and participate in NBHAAD events is another key focus area. Whether it is organizing a testing and awareness event at a local college, speaking about the importance of HIV prevention and treatment at your local faith-based organizations, or supporting a local AIDS service provider, it is key that you get involved."

"GET TREATED: 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."

From the Centers for Disease Control website: "Led by the Strategic Leadership Council, this initiative [National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD)] is designed to increase HIV education, testing, community involvement, and treatment among black communities across the nation." Click here for the CDC website:

http://www.cdc.gov/features/blackhivaidsawareness/