National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2010

February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day (NBHAAD). This annual observance day was created to raise awareness among African Americans about HIV/AIDS and its devastating impact on African American communities. The day is part of a national mobilization effort to get African Americans to learn more about the threat posed by the disease, get tested, get treated and make a commitment to fight HIV/AIDS.

Here in Washington, DC there is no question that African Americans are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. According to our surveillance report, African Americans make up about 55% of the DC population, but constitute 80% of District residents living with HIV. Further, of the 842 cases of HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men from 2001 to 2006, 63% were among black men.

National Black AIDS Awareness Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness of how HIV/AIDS impacts Black gay and bisexual men. If you're interested in helping organize a National Black AIDS Awareness Day event in Washington DC, please let me know.

To learn more about the National Black AIDS Awareness Day, visit www.blackaidsday.org.

RELATED EVENTS

A Black Life is Worth Saving: Transgender Health Empowerment in Conjunction with Damien Ministries invite you to attend A Black Life is Worth Saving on Friday February 5th. The event takes place from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at 2200 Rhode Island Ave, NE. Get Tested! Get Involved! Get Educated! Receive a gift card when you get tested for HIV.

Food and Friends Event: On Saturday February 6th, 2010, in recognition of Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Food and Friends will host a free community event 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Riggs LaSalle Community Center located at 501 Riggs Road, NE, Washington DC 20011. The free community event is open to all ages and includes: Free HIV testing and counseling, educational workshops and activities for all ages, free food and entertainment, community outreach.