Black PR Wire Power Profiler on NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY

The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) observance was first launched in 1999 as an effort of five national organizations and funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since then, NBHAAD is annually recognized on February 7th as a day when celebrities, faith leaders, elected officials, community activists and local citizens stand together in unity to fight HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS has been especially devastating to the black community. According to CDC estimates, blacks make up 14 percent of the U.S. population but accounted for nearly half of all new HIV/AIDS infections in 2010, a rate eight times higher than that of whites. HIV infections within the black community are most prevalent among gay and bisexual men, followed by heterosexual women. With that reality in mind, this year’s NBHAAD campaign theme is “I Am My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS!”

NBHAAD events focus on national and local community mobilization to encourage action in four key areas: getting educated about the disease, getting tested and knowing one’s HIV status, getting treated if HIV-positive, and getting involved in the issue. Activities such as press conferences, community forums, church services, community marches and rallies, and free HIV/AIDS testing, counseling and referrals will take place throughout the nation. In addition, NBHAAD organizers have obtained a diverse lineup of public figures to lend their public advocacy and serve as spokespersons for the event, including political commentator Jeff Johnson, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

For more information about NBHAAD events in your city or to find out how you can host your own event, visit the official website at www.nationalblackaidsday.org.