Raising HIV/AIDS Awareness
Did you know that one in four Americans living with HIV are women? It’s true. HIV/AIDS is affecting more and more women, specifically African American women. It’s actually become the leading cause of death in African American women between the ages of 25-34.
The statistics are alarming. But there is good news. Taking some simple steps can protect women from getting HIV — or prevent women from passing it to others, including their children. Also, while there is no cure yet, many women with HIV and AIDS are living longer and stronger lives thanks to a number of new treatments. A wide variety of government resources also are in place to help people living with HIV.
Here is a link to statistics from the CDC on Women and HIV/AIDS…
Today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Women of color are especially affected by HIV infection and AIDS.
Many women are using their blogs to bring more attention to the need for HIV/AIDS awareness.
From Feministing – New Campaign for HIV Testing Excludes Women…
Photos feature young gay African American men with the caption “Status is Everything,” and the ad campaign will refer viewers to a hotline and website where they can schedule free HIV testing at local clinics.
Not found in this campaign, however, is the need for a cogent campaign that’s inclusive of young women of color. In 2007, blacks accounted for 44% of the 455,636 people living with AIDS in the 50 states and District of Columbia.
From Diane – Women Living with HIV…
I’m writing this blog to help other women living with HIV to tell you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
From The Common Wealth Times – HIV/AIDS Awareness Rally Steers Student Focus…
Deirdre Johnson, 34, said that when she was diagnosed with HIV in 2000 she could only sum up her reaction in one word, shock.
Johnson now works to raise HIV and AIDS awareness among students and communities across the state. She has worked with Richmond City Hall, Virginia Union University, Virginia State University, University of Richmond and VCU, sharing her story as a person living with HIV.
From Lori – Mid-Life Women Contracting HIV…
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but while unintended pregnancy may
not be an issue anymore, there’s a new kid in town and it’s called
HIV. Old news, you say? Not a problem for middle-aged, monogamists
like yourself? If you really believe that, do yourself a favor and
keep reading. Also, you might want to dig that box of condoms back out
of the garbage, you’re gonna need them.
From the National Youth Advocacy Coalition – National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness…
At the end of last month President Obama signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act.
On October 21st, the House passed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act (S.1793), reauthorizing the Ryan White program for four years. The Ryan White program has been serving people with AIDS and HIV for nearly two decades. Today, the program provides care, treatment and support services to nearly half a million people – most of whom are low-income. Without this critical safety net, some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations would not receive the care and treatment they need and rightfully deserve. There are more than 50,000 new HIV/AIDS infections reported each year and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.1 million Americans are currently living with HIV/AIDS. All parts of the Ryan White program have been in desperate need of increased funding for the past three years. Modern medical advancements have made it possible for more individuals to live full lives with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, which means there are more individuals living with the disease and in need of services.
From The White House – Honoring the Legacy of Ryan White…
Today, President Obama signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. It represents our ongoing commitment to ensuring access to needed HIV/AIDS care and treatment. The White House and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) worked very closely with Congress on this bipartisan legislation, and the consensus document developed by the HIV/AIDS advocacy community was an important part of the process. We were so pleased that Jeanne White-Ginder, Ryan White’s mother, was here at the bill signing.
From Pam’s House Blend – President Obama Signs Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension…
THE PRESIDENT: We often speak about AIDS as if it’s going on somewhere else. And for good reason — this is a virus that has touched lives and decimated communities around the world, particularly in Africa. But often overlooked is the fact that we face a serious HIV/AIDS epidemic of our own — right here in Washington, D.C., and right here in the United States of America. And today, we are taking two important steps forward in the fight that we face here at home.
Also from Pam’s House Blend – Why HIV/AIDS Awareness and Testing Should Be A Priority Every Day
From Renee – Every Day Should Be National HIV Testing Day…
It is my belief that most Americans think that HIV/AIDS is now a global problem and almost eradicated in the United States. Sadly, this is far from the truth. According to the CDC, in 2006 approximately 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV and 1 in 5 are undiagnosed. Twenty-one percent!
A staggering 232,700 individuals living with HIV and are unaware of their status. Keep in mind that this number is from 2006, one can only guess what these numbers look like today.
Also See:
- From Times Live – Today’s Historic HIV Convention A Success
- HIV/AIDS 2009 Prevention Conference
