Blacks are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. While making up only 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for more than 49 percent of AIDS cases. AIDS is now the leading cause of death for Black women ages 25 to 34, and the second leading cause of death for Black men ages 35 to 44.

Of all racial and ethnic groups in the United States, HIV and AIDS have hit African Americans the hardest. The reasons are not directly related to race or ethnicity, but rather some of the barriers faced by many African Americans. These barriers can include poverty (being poor), sexually transmitted diseases, and stigma (negative attitudes, beliefs, and actions directed at people living with HIV/AIDS or directed at people who do things that might put them at risk for HIV).  HIV remains a persistent threat to the health, well-being, and human potential of many African American communities. As the impact of the epidemic among African Americans has grown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local public health agencies, and African American communities have stepped up efforts to address the crisis.

NBHAAD is planned, organized and coordinated by the Strategic Leadership Council*, a working group of national organizations in partnership with CDC. NBHAAD activities focus on motivating individuals to get tested and know their HIV status, and educating community members about the importance of HIV prevention, early detection, and treatment.

CDC is highly committed to reducing the impact of HIV on African American communities. CDC believes that a collaborative response by many is necessary to decrease the burden of HIV/AIDS among African Americans.  Therefore, CDC and African American leaders from business, civil rights, entertainment, government, and the media are speaking out and taking action. With these partners, CDC is intensifying HIV prevention efforts in four areas: expanding the reach of comprehensive prevention programs; increasing opportunities for HIV testing and treatment; developing new, effective prevention strategies; and mobilizing broader community action.

It is necessary for African Americans to receive the information they need to protect their health and the health of their loved ones, and to get involved in their communities.  When people affected and infected by HIV take collective action against the spread of this disease, we form a very powerful weapon. Together we can prevent HIV/AIDS, one voice, one experience, one community at a time!

What Can You Do?

• Learn About HIV/AIDS. Educate yourself, friends, and family about HIV/AIDS and what you can do to protect yourself.

• Get tested for HIV. To find a testing site near you, call 1-800-CDC-INFO, visit hivtest.org, or, on your cell phone, text your zip code to Know IT (566948).

• Speak Out against stigma, homophobia, racism, and other forms of discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.

• Donate time and money to HIV/AIDS organizations that work within African American communities.

• Events around the country visit http://www.blackaidsday.org/events_activities.html

Friday, February 5th
National black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, United Community Baptist Church, 2701 Mermaid Ave, 11 A.M. – 4 P.M.. HIV Testing, Demonstrations, Resources and Information. For more information contact Shayoya Brown at 718-333-2067

Sunday, February 7th
Pre-Conference Evening of Praise and Awareness, LIU Brooklyn Campus, 1 University Plaza, Dekalb and Flatbush Ext, Brooklyn, 4:00 p.m. Testing, Outreach, and Prevention Initiative, For more information contact Watchful Eye TOP Initiative at 347-533-4300

Monday, February 8th
Brooklyn Commemorates National Black AIDS Awareness Day, Brooklyn College Student Center, 2901 Campus Road and East 27th Street, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.. Brooklyn Red Ribbon Campaign, Brooklyn HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan, “Brooklyn Knows” Roll Out. For more information and to register contact Dana Burnett at 718-773-3874 or dana.burnett@nychhc.org

Friday, February 12th
Heart To Heart – Love Yourself, Love Your Family Family Resource Center, 100 Pennsylvania Ave, 3rd Floor, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Free HIV Testing and Health Screenings, Food Stamp Screenings, Financial Counseling and Advice, Free Income Tax Filing, Raffle Prizes and Refreshments. For more information contact Christopher Joseph, 212-645-344 ext 136

Saturday, February 13th
During the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Caucus, on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 10:00 A.M., Senator John Sampson and Assemblyman Darryl C. Towns will host a workshop entitled “The Saga Continues: A Dialogue on HIV/AIDS and the Impact on Communities of Color.” The workshop will be facilitated by Watchful Eye Founder Dee Bailey. All Watchful Eye Community Partners and their clients/program participants are invited and encouraged to attend this event.” For more information, contact Gwen Carter 347-533-4300 or crtr48@aol.com .

Wednesday, February 24th
“Age is No Barrier” to HIV/AIDS! Did you know that in New York State, 14 percent of AIDS cases are among individuals age 50 and over, and of all the people age 50 and over with AIDS, more than half are of African or Latino descent?

The Brooklyn Regional Committee of the AIDS Institute’s Faith Communities Project invites you to a community dialogue and fellowship to discuss and to learn “What Congregations need to know about HIV/AIDS and Older Adult.” Bishop Dr. R.C. Hugh Nelson, Senior Pastor of the Church of God of East Flatbush, will host the program on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the church, located at 409 East 95th Street, between Whilmohr Street & Lenox Road from, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Dinner will be provided. Please share the enclosed flyer and directions to the church with your colleagues and encourage them to attend.

Pre-registration is required to prepare materials and to confirm the food order. To register, please contact Ron Derway at 800-692-8528, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. The registration deadline is February 22nd.

The Regional Planning Committee encourages you to join with the community in dialogue and learn what we can do to support older adults impacted by HIV/AIDS and to stop the spread of HIV. Please contact Carol Tyrell, Coordinator of the Faith Communities Project, at 518-473-2300, if you have any questions about the Project

Friday, February 26th,
FREE Youth Safer Sex Party – for Youth ages 15-24 years old
2010-02-26 6:00Pm-11:00pm
The Lab Nightclub
1428 Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY
Keep the Cold out and the HEAT in!
The HEAT Program, in conjunction with the Young Women of Color HIV/AIDS Coalition (YWCHAC) & FACES is sponsoring a Safer Sex Party for all youth ages 15-24 on Friday, February 26, 2010 from 6-11 pm at
The Lab Nightclub
1428 Fulton Street
Brooklyn ( bet Thompkins & Brooklyn Aves)

FREE and open to all youth
Free Food, DJ & Giveaways
Safer Sex Awarness and Resources
Free HIV rapid Testing Available

Direction: #C Train to Kingston & Throop Aves
Bus: B25 or B44 to Fulton and Thompkins Ave

Sunday, February 28th
Brother *2* Brother – Domestic Violence & HIV/AIDS in the Brotherhood, Canticles Lounge, 207 Lewis Avenue, (Corner of Lewis & Lexington), Brooklyn 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Males Only age 15 and over. Free HIV testing, refreshments provided. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Waterman (347)332-9027, Rev. Dr. Whitney (718) 622-0557, or Rev. John (718)771-8061

Friday, February 19th
Join the Young Women of Color HIV/AIDS Coalition (YWCHAC) at its’ General Quarterly Meeting featuring a panel discussion on
The Role of Media in HIV Prevention for Young Women of Color
Friday, February 19th, 10:00am-2:00pm
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
434 West 33rd Street, Penthouse
Btwn. 9th & 10th Avenues
Breakfast and Lunch will be provided
To register go to
http://ywchacmedia.eventbrite.com/
Directions to 434 West 33rd Street by Subway:
The closest trains are the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, to 34th Street

Saturday, February 20th
The Road Less Traveled,
Second Providence Baptist Church, 11-13 West 116th Street, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Continental Breakfast and Lunch. Testing will be provided.. RSVP by contacting: Rev Wilson – deandreI@optonline.net , Rev. Leudo – lleudo@att.net , or Rev. Kennedy – TLaCrie@aol.com

How difficult is it to understand that we have no future as a community, if the majority of our youth are becoming infected with this extremely preventable disease. And despite the continued advances with HIV meds, the longer a person is infected the greater strain the disease puts on one’s body.  If it’s not the virus itself that cause’s one’s demise, then it’s the illnesses that develop as a result of a weakened immune system.  Assuming, one is taking their medication.  As noted in the article, “Some studies have reported that young people with HIV/AIDS often fail to regularly adhere to their medication regiment. Young HIV/AIDS patients also sometimes engage in risky behavior, posing serious health risks for them and for transmitting the virus to others. Young people have a lot of information on the internet and other places,” Clemons says. “It’s a part of adolescent to feel invulnerable and that nothing can happen to me.”

And unless, there is a cure, there is no miracle drug that lessens the end result. Therefore, it’s crucial to educate and protect our youth. It is vital that they understand that AIDS is a preventable disease. Abstinence is certainly a good choice for most youth to practice but for those who choose to have sex, they should be able to learn about the pleasures as well as the risks so they can make healthy choices with their partners. And condom use is an important part of that discussion. Youth must learn and appreciate how crucial condoms are in practicing safe sex. And if there is NO glove, then there’s NO love. Ok, so that was a little corny but you get the point.

Which brings me to my next point, how the message is told. Don’t create AIDS awareness campaigns for 30 and 40 year olds and think teens and young adults will relate to it. The message must be culturally and ethnically sensitive as well as age appropriate. What works for young African Americans may not work for other youth of color. Black people don’t all come from the same experience and cultural background any more than Latinos or Asians do.

Peer to peer training and education is probably the most crucial and well proven method of preventing the spread of HIV. Avert.org has a web page entitled, Introduction to HIV and AIDS education, which explains “HIV and AIDS education can take place in many different environments, from classes at school to families and friends sharing knowledge at home. It is important that this education is provided in a variety of settings to ensure that the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society are reached, and that accurate information about HIV and AIDS is reinforced from different sources.” In New York City, there is Teatro El Puente, the first and longest running HIV/AIDS educational theater group. The company was the first educational AIDS theater company for adolescents in New York City. Teatro’s actors (ages 16-21) are all bilingual (Spanish and English). Other peer to peer AIDS education groups exist throughout the United States and around the world. UNICEF has produced a video highlighting their peer to peer AIDS education program. These programs work and are successful despite being underfunded or de-funded as many programs have in New York City.

Other methods that have been successful is the use of dance, music and video. Check out the Regret Free public service announcements (PSAs) These PSAs were created to celebrate people who live a regret free life when it comes to their sexual lifestyle choices. LIFEBeat, uses music as a tool to educate and inform. . LIFEbeat is dedicated to reaching America’s youth with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention.  LIFEbeat mobilizes the talents and resources of the music industry to raise awareness and to provide support to the AIDS community.

There are several different ways to get the education but the most important thing is to get the education. HIV and AIDS education needs to motivate people by making them aware that what they are learning is relevant to their lives. Empowerment is also crucial, as people must be in a position where they are able to take control of their sexual behavior or methods of drug use. Given the huge numbers of deaths that might still be prevented, the importance of effective education cannot be overestimated. We must make a way to save our youth, now!

As we celebrate, honor and reflect on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, The Black AIDS Institute asks, What Would Martin Do? In an article written by Phill Wilson, founder and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute, he states “Dr. King would be leading a movement against the war and for creating jobs, passing meaningful health-care legislation, educating our young and protecting our environment. And yes, just as he stood up for the sanitation workers, Dr. King would be passionate about HIV/AIDS. There is no question that ending the AIDS epidemic would be at the top of his agenda. And because it would be at the top of his agenda, it would be at the top of our agenda.”

Phill Wilson believes, as well as I, that Dr. King would have been a significant leader in the struggle to end AIDS.  And though, Dr. King was not able to contribute to this movement, his wife was a strong advocate of the AIDS community.

In a speech she gave at the Metropolitan Community Foundation’s Circles Of Hope Dinner in 2002, she says “As my husband, Martin Luther King, Jr. said, we are all “tied in a single garment of destiny,” … “caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of all reality.”

Later, she states, “To eradicate AIDS, we must give our medical researchers and scientists all of the support they need to find the cure. But we must first and foremost cure our own hearts of the fear and ignorance that leads to ostracism of people with HIV and AIDS.”

Mrs. King was a vocal opponent against injustice. She was heard speaking out against capital punishment and the 2003 Invasion of Iraq.  She also supported lesbian and gay rights and as demonstrated above, an ardent supporter of HIV and AIDS education and prevention. 

We are still struggling with many of the issues that Mrs. and Dr. King attempted to address. And we must continue to defend and protect human rights, especially as it relates to the fight for decent housing, equal job opportunities, education and healthcare. We, as a community of world citizens, must also fight against homelessness, poverty, hunger and the spread of AIDS.

His legacy as well as Mrs. King will live on with our continued effort to fight against injustice and stand for the rights of all!

With the devastation of the earthquake, two main facilities of an AIDS treatment center were heavily damaged. Most of the staff is alive and accounted for.  GHESKIO, short for the Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections, was founded in 1982 and was among the first to study the rise of HIV/AIDS in the developing world. In addition to the damaged buildings, the blocked roads make it difficult for patients to get needed treatment and supplies, according to the article Catastrophe in Haiti by POZ magazine.

Although, Haiti was listed as the primary risk factor for HIV by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) twenty years ago, it has become a leader in treatment, prevention and diagnosis.

As Haiti struggles to rebound from this catastrophe and treat some of its most vulnerable citizens, Housing Works, a NYC based AIDS services organization in collaboration with PHAP+, a Haitian HIV coalition, will provide assistance and medical supplies. Housing Works is also accepting donations which is crucial in helping the very people who tend to get left out in relief efforts.

Please help however way you can, whether by sending funds to GHESKIO or finding another way to donate.

Every time I screen the trailer to my film (one minute clip is on the homepage) or talk to a group or even just one person about AIDS and safe sex, I get a blank look. Everyone thinks, “I’m not that person, it could never happen to me.” “I know my partner.” “I would know if they were cheating.” “I would know if they were having an affair.” “I don’t need to wear a condom, I’m married or I got a steady partner!” I’m sure that’s what Mrs. Wood thought and the countless partners of other famous and everyday people in relationships. Not only are more and more people having sex outside their primary relationship, they are also having it with multiple people of both sexes. And most are not practicing safe sex. Therefore, they risk getting infected and infecting others.

Its a new era. We have to get real about the fact that the sex and sexuality of today is different from that of previous generations. This is not the free love of the 60’s and 70’s. Not only is the sex different, sexually transmitted diseases are different. Remember, HIV wasn’t formally recognized until 1981.  Fast forward twenty plus years, and as of January 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported increased rates of the sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia and syphilis in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in the United States more than 13 million people are infected each year and more than 65 million have an incurable STD. Incidence of genital herpes in the United States has increased 30% over the past 20 years. Individuals who are infected with STDs are at least two to five times more likely than uninfected individuals to acquire HIV infection if they are exposed to the virus through sexual contact. In addition, if an HIV-infected individual is also infected with another STD, that person is more likely to transmit HIV through sexual contact than other HIV-infected persons.

So, what do we do now! Well, HIV testing is key in awareness, prevention and if necessary treatment. Communication is also key, even as difficult and uncomfortable as it might be. Talking to your partner could possible be the best way to save your life. But, its also important to talk to your healthcare professional, a relative, a friend or anyone you trust to help you flush out some feelings, concerns or questions you may have. Honesty is also vital, if we can’t talk honestly about sex and our sexuality then we can’t address issues and concerns that one might have. Information has to be a basic part of our learning and development as people. We are in an age were information is so easily accesseable. Its not that difficult to go on line and learn about AIDS and STDs or get a pamphlet or other materials that can be shared with members of your community. And lastly, Self-respect is crucial. Developing the skills to put yourself and your health first is very necessary. When we are better able to care for ourselves, then we become a better mother, father, partner, lover and friend. When we can determine and assert what is best for ourselves then we are less likely to be taken advantage of. We can express what we like, what we don’t like and what we will stand and not stand for. If more of us are able to become self assured, thoughtful and centered individuals then hopefully there will be less stories like this.

Few of the pioneers that fought for these services are still around, women need to not only struggle to keep from being infected but they now must fight to protect the very services designed to help them survive. As we move into the 2nd week of World AIDS Day events, please keep these women in mind. Support them, donate to the organizations that assist them and volunteer to community groups that need foot soldiers in ending the spread of this disease.

The following are additional World AIDS Day Events, attend one if you haven’t already.

Thursday, December 10^th

• “Free HIV Testing”, at The Church of the Open Door, 201 Gold Street, Thursday, December 10^th, light snacks available. Hosted by The AIDS Ministry of The Church of the Open Door. For more information call 718-512-5450

Saturday, December 12^th

• “It’s All About Men Again!” A Men’s Health Fair for World’s AIDS Day”, at Antioch Baptist Church, 828 Greene Avenue, Brooklyn, Saturday, Dec 12th, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free health screenings: Blood pressure, Diabetes, Cholesterol; Free Breakfast and lunch; Free or low cost Insurance information; Theatrical performances by CAMBA & THEO; Workshops on Men’s Health Issues; Free Flu Shot; Free HIV counseling and testing. For more information contact Sharon Miller at 347-332-9027 or call 917-972-9510

Thursday, December 17th

• “Love Me Through It”,at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 279 Lafayette Avenue @ St. James Place, Brooklyn, Thursday, December   17^th, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A movie and dinner on us! A docu-drama that dramatizes a woman’s journey living with HIV and how the faith community responds. For more information contact Healing Touch HIV Ministry or Emmanuel Baptist Church, 718-622-1107 ext 56.

The global theme for 2009 and 2010 World AIDS Day is “Universal Access and Human Rights” chosen by the World AIDS Campaign, a network of civil society groups active in the response to HIV and AIDS.

The theme encourages us to deepen understanding, develop partnerships and challenge discriminatory laws, and practices that stand in the way of access for all to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. When human rights are not respected, people living with HIV and AIDS are vulnerable to stigma and discrimination, illness, economic insecurity, and reduced access to treatment.

Over the past years there have been some encouraging advances in the global response to HIV and AIDS We have seen increased commitment around the world to respond to HIV and AIDS in national and local initiatives, in churches and religious organizations and in civil society.

Below is a listing of World AIDS Day Observances throughout NYC. There are also websites that provide more information about WAD and list events happening around the world. Feel free to post an event that is happening in your city, town or neighborhood. I encourage you to join with the community in leadership and solidarity and help promote universal access, human dignity and respect and protect the human rights of people living with or affected by HIV

Let’s remember our brothers and sisters throughout the world who are affected by HIV and AIDS.

World AIDS Day Websites

http://www.worldaidsday.org/

http://www.avert.org/world-aids-day.htm

http://nyunews.com/news/2009/dec/01/aids/

http://www.aids.gov/world-aids-day/

NEW YORK CITY

BRONX

Tuesday, Dec. 1st, 11AM to 3PM
Remembrance, Honor and Hope Ceremony
Monsignor Del Valle Square at So. Blvd. & 163rd St.
(alternate rain space: 953 Southern Blvd., Suite 201)

BROOKLYN

Tuesday, December 1st 10:00 a.m. – 12 Noon.
How Does Your Knowledge of HIV Vaccine Research Stack Up”, World AIDS Day Breakfast,
GMAD, 44 Court Street, Suite 1000, 10th Floor,
Sponsored by Gay Men of African Descent
For more information and to RSVP please call 718-222-6300, Ext 117.

Tuesday, December 1st, 12 Noon
“World AIDS Day 2009 -Universal Access and Human Rights”
Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street,
Sponsored by Watchful Eye
For more information please call 347-533-4300

Tuesday, December 1st, 5:00 p.m. – 8 p.m
World AIDS Day Commemoration and Candle Light Vigil. at Kaniza Palace, 10 Snyder Ave,
Sponsored by Caribbean Women’s Health Association.
For more information call 718-826-2942.

Tuesday, Dec. 1st, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m
Coney Island Cathedral, 2816 Mermaid Ave,
Sponsored by Amethyst Women’s Project and
National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS of NYC.
For more information contact Nicole or Eric at 718-333-2067

Tuesday, Dec. 1st, 7pm
World AIDS Day Interfaith service
St Augustine Church,
116 6th Avenue, Park Slope,
Join others who are taking a spiritual and physical journey through AIDS.
There will be music by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Manhattan
and on display will be a collection of paintings titled, “Preparation Series”

Friday, Dec. 5th, 6p.m. – 9p.m.
“A Night of Healing – HIV, Doing More than Talking”,
SUNY Downstate Medical Center,
395 Lenox Road Between E. 34th Street and New York Avenue,
Presented by The Adolescent Education Program (THEO)
For more information contact THEO at 7189-270-3992/3898

Saturday, December 5th, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
“HIV Awareness Community Outreach”,
PS 287, 50 Navy Street, Brooklyn, NY.
Hosted by The AIDS Ministry of the Church of the Open Door.
For more information contact Joyce McDonald at 718-907-0763

Saturday, December 5th, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
“When The Light Shines” with Testimonial Artist Joyce McDonald, at PS 287,
50 Navy Street,
Hosted by The AIDS Ministry of The Church of the Open Door.
For more information contact Joyce McDonald at 718-907-0763

Saturday December 5th 2009, 10:00 AM – 1:00pm
HIV/AIDS WORKSHOP FOR YOUTHS”
In Commemoration of World AIDS Awareness Day
St. George’s Episcopal Church,
800 March Avenue,
Sponsored by ABQ HIV/AIDS Ministry.
For Further Information Contact: Sophia Baboolal at 718-789-6036

Sunday, December 6th, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m
“AIDS Ministry Sunday – at The Church of the Open Door”,
201 Gold Street,
Hosted by The AIDS Ministry of The Church of the Open Door.
For more information call 718-512-5450

Thursday, December 10th
“Thursday After Special, at The Church of the Open Door,
201 Gold Street, , Free HIV testing (bilingual), light snack.
Hosted by The AIDS Ministry of The Church of the Open Door.
For more information call 718-512-5450

Saturday, Dec 12th, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“It’s All About Men Again!” A Men’s Health Fair for World’s AIDS Day”,
Antioch Baptist Church,
828 Greene Avenue, Brooklyn,
Presented by The United Men of Antioch and NBLCA of NYC.
For more information contact Sharon Miller at 347-332-9027 or call 917-972-9510

MANHATTAN

December 1, 2009
125th Street in front of the State Office Building on Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.
116th Street and 3rd Avenue 42nd Street 7th Avenue at Times Square
14th Street at Union Square Park
City Hall Park Tuesday December 1, 2009 12:00pm to 4:00pmItʼs
Time To Remember….. For More Information Call(212) 828-6141

OUT OF THE DARKNESS
Candlelight Vigil Begins at 6:00 pm
Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan
164 West 100th Street – (at Amsterdam Avenue)
Candlelight Procession to Broadway UCC Church2504 Broadway (at 93rd Street)
Time of Reflection and Reading of Names of Those We Have Lost to AIDS Begins at 6:30 pm
World AIDS Day Gathering Begins at 7:00 pm
Wheelchair accessible and ASL interpreted.Refreshments served following the gathering.
For more information, call (212) 367-1016 or write to krishnas@gmhc.org

Co-Sponsors:  American Run for the End of AIDS,
Broadway United Church of Christ, Gay Men’s Health Crisis,
International AIDS Prevention Initiative, Keith Haring Foundation,
LIFEbeat:  Music Industry Fights AIDS,
Trinity Lutheran Church

City Hall Park — 24 Hour Reading of Names of those we have lost in the Struggle
For a 24-hour period beginning on December 1, 2009, activists, volunteers
and those living with HIV and AIDS will read names continually at City Hall
in lower Manhattan to memorialize loved ones, to raise awareness about the twin crises
of HIV/AIDS and homelessness, and remind the world that AIDS is not over.

Come by City Hall Park on December 1, any time day or night, to join in reading the names
of those you have lost to HIV/AIDS.
Go to www.Housingworks.org/worldaidsday for more information
and to submit a name of a loved one to memorialize.

TAKE THE LEAD…. STOP AIDS – KEEP THE PROMISE
4:00 pm – 7:30 pm

National WORLD AIDS DAY event at the New York Public Library – Harlem Branch.
New York Public Library – Harlem Branch
9 West 24th Street
New York, New York 10027
www.haevents.org

“Interfaith service in commemoration of World AIDS Day (in Spanish)”
United Methodist Church of the Village, 7th Ave, corner of 13th Street in Manhattan,
5:30 pm. Sponsored by the Latino Commission on AIDS.Para información llame al 212-675-3288

1 de Diciembre Dia Mundial del SIDA
La Iglesia del Village,Una Iglesia Metodista Unida Progresistal
201 W de la Calle 13 (Esquina con la 7a Ave.), New York, NY
5:30 PM Vigilia, 6:00 PM Servicio Interreligioso

STATEN ISLAND

Interfaith Community Dinner, Procession and Vigil

Monday, November 30, 2009, 5:30 pm
Free Community Dinner
St. Phillips Baptist Church
77 Benette Street

Monday, November 30, 2009, 6:30 pm
Interfaith Candlelight Vigil
Meet Veterans’ Park – (Heberton & Park Ave in Port Richmond)

Procession to
Temple Emanu-El
984 Post Ave.

Between Heberton Ave & Decker Ave.
Service begins at 7:00 pm

QUEENS

“STOP AIDS, KEEP THE PROMISE:  UNIVERSAL ACCESS & HUMAN RIGHTS”
9:30 am – 5:00 pm

94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.
Jamaica, NY 11451
Free and Confidential HIV/AIDS Testing & STD/STI will be provided by ACQC’s Education
& Co-Factors Departments in Health Services Center in RM 1F01, 1st Floor ***
For directions and all information contact Robert Steptoe or Melissa Robertson
@ Queens HIV CARE Network, 718.739.2525
Or, contact Sharon Hawkins, Manager of Health Services Center,
Room 1F01, at York College – 718-262-2050

There is no doubt that there is need for a plan, much less a national strategy, to reduce the number of new HIV infections and decrease the death rates in these high risk communities. Beyond the success or failure of this inital plan, some aggressive moves needs to be made to slow the spread of this disease. The government and many national organizations have been slow to respond. There needs to be a cohesive plan and it need to happen now!

The lack of information and resources, the social status of most women in many parts of the world and the social norms and values of certain cultures undermine the ability for these women to protect themselves. We will not see a change in these numbers until women are able to protect themselves and their children. Health services around the world need to be empowered to provide culturally specific information and educational materials to high risk communities. In addition, testing has to be the first step in prevention methods. A massive effort has to be directed at educating families, but women in particular, about safe sex practices and using treatment to prevent the spread of the virus.

These statistics can turn around, but first the status of women worldwide must improve,  changes must be made in the unequal healthcare of women and advancements to the treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS must continue.

The second obstacle to testing is getting those who test positive into treatment. This effort plans to address that problem by training community outreach workers along with other improvements.  Those who go straight into treatment can prevent extensive damage to their immune system and encourage a normal life expectancy.

So, with this extensive three year study and bold new strategy to stop the spread of AIDS, will this result in an effort that’s too little, too late! Or should we appreciate any effort to reduce the infection rate in the United States, especially in “hot spot’ areas like the Bronx and Washington D.C. Time will only tell.