Thursday, February 07, 2008

National Black HIV AIDS Awareness Day…

Today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Everyday is an opportunity to advocate for those who are positive and educate our communities about prevention.

Commit to seizing those opportunities.

Get education.

Get tested.

Get involved.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

i don't understand why there is a Black HIV Awareness Day. Isn't it important for all races and all people to be careful and aware. It just seems odd and selfish to me.

Shark-Fu said...

TGE... the black community has one of the fastest growing segments of HIV/AIDS infections.

Raising awareness within a specific community with alarming increases in infection rates is anything but selfish...it is wise and long overdue.

Much like educating teens about std prevention methods makes sense, targeted awareness campaigns to support world wide education, prevention and treatment efforts makes sense too.

Plus, my audience is not exclusively black and the awareness message can't be overstated.

Anonymous said...

TGE, HIV/AIDS discrimination is alive and well, especially in the Black community, and is something that I, as an RN, come across all too often in my day job.

I have had to sit there and hold the hand of a devastated college freshman while a doctor tells her that she will die from this disease. She is an 18-year-old female with her whole life ahead of her.

I have had to keep my mouth shut when visiting one of my patients (a 70-year-old woman) at her home to administer the drugs that will help keep her alive and her son keeps asking me just what is it that I am giving his mama?

Both of these women are too scared to tell their families--in 2008, no less. We've not come that far, in the twenty-plus years, since HIV/AIDS came on the scene.

I do hope--and pray--that these women--my patients, my sisters, my daughters, my mothers--can tell their families the truth without the door being slammed into their faces. I don't know if they ever will.

Till then, all, please get educated, tested, join in together, and get treatment.

libhom said...

I am mostly white, though I have some indigenous ancestors too. That supports your point that your audience is not exclusively black.

Thanks for bringing up AIDS.

Elsee said...

I don't think a "White HIV Awareness Day" would be tolerated. What about a "White History Month", "Miss White America" or "Ivory Magazine"? Somehow it is okay for people of color to be racist.

Shark-Fu said...

Elsee...
I though Glamour was Ivory Magazine?

Seriously though, this campaign is targeted not biased nor are such targeted campaigns exclusive to the black community.

But I'm betting you know that and just don't give a flying shit.

Or are you arguing that the rise in HIV/AIDS infection rates within communities of color is okay or, in some twisted way, indicative of success within existing awareness efforts?

Whatever...obviously you are not black and my black self still hopes your contrary ass gets tested and practices prevention.

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