National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Los Angeles

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Article Date: 06 Feb 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Office of AIDS Programs and Policy:

What: A Rally/Human Billboard will take place for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7.

The goal of the Rally/Human Billboard along with FREE HIV testing is to help bring attention to the devastating affects of HIV/AIDS on the African-American community. Speakers at the rally will include Judge Maybelline Ephraim and Dr. LaTanya Hines, President of The Association of Black Women Physicians.

When: Thursday, February 7, 2008
10:30 a.m. - Rally
11:00 a.m. - Human Billboard

Where: Leimert Park
4395 Leimert Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008
(corner of Crenshaw and Vernon)

Why: County health officials need your help to reach African-Americans in the Los Angeles community. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day provides an opportunity for people to learn how to protect themselves from HIV infection, as well as where to obtain HIV counseling and testing.

Nationally - African-Americans are 13% of the total U.S. population, yet they make up half of all HIV and AIDS cases. HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death for this community.

Los Angeles County - African-Americans make up approximately 9% of the population, but account for 20% of all AIDS cases. Despite their relatively smaller number, African-Americans have the highest case rate of any racial or ethnic group in Los Angeles County.

Economic factors, the stigma of homosexuality and AIDS, denial, inadequate information, and lack of healthcare access are all driving forces behind the alarming rise in HIV infections among African-Americans, according to County officials.

Who: At your convenience, interviews can be arranged to discuss the HIV crisis in the African-American community.

The County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS Programs and Policy provides HIV/AIDS care and treatment services, including medication, at more than 80 community medical clinics located throughout the County. For more information on free HIV prevention, counseling, testing and treatment, please call 1-800-367-AIDS (2437) or visit http://www.hivla.org.