The battle against the unequal impact of HIV on Black America is far from over By Chris Wade, Director of Prevention Services, CIF

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is February 7, 2019

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2019…Each year on February 7, we as a Black community recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#NBHAAD) – an important reminder that our fight to end the impact of HIV on Black America is not yet won. While we continue to make progress, the numbers – and the gut-wrenching impact on our community across the U.S. – show that there is still significant work to be done.

While African Americans represent just 13 percent of the U.S. population, our community accounts for nearly half of all people with HIV. In the face of such figures, and in light of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we are reminded of the importance of continuing our fight.

Share this graphic on social media and with your community as an important reminder that our battle against the unequal impact of HIV on Black America is far from over.

Black/African-Americans, it is important to acknowledge the impact individual and structural barriers have on the HIV epidemic, on HIV risk, on PrEP uptake, and on HIV retention, treatment, and access to care. Once we acknowledge that, it is easier for people to understand what is impacting the individual. Whether it is for Black individuals, Latina persons, Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming folks or any other vulnerable population, understanding that our community and our environment impacts our overall health in very tangible ways is important to acknowledge and address.

As with the many social injustices we have fought throughout history, the fight to end the HIV epidemic in Black America must first start within the communities. In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, on February 7, 2019, take a moment to inspire such action.

For education/information on free sexual health screenings (HIV/HepC/Sexually Transmitted Infections) in the greater Peoria area contact us at (309) 671-2144 to set up an appointment if you live outside the greater Peoria area please visit: www.hivcareconnect.com to find a resource near you.