Get Real about AIDS

The National Minority Aids Council (NMAC) recently released their first Public Service Announcement in ten years- GET REAL about AIDS. Sista’s it’s time to GET REAL!

 

The revised CDC report on HIV/AIDS among Women (August 2008 ) contained alarming numbers:

 

“In 2004 (the most recent year for which data are available), HIV infection was

• the leading cause of death for black women (including African American women) aged 25–34 years.
• the 3rd leading cause of death for black women aged 35–44 years.
• the 4th leading cause of death for black women aged 45–54 years.
• the 4th leading cause of death for Hispanic women aged 35–44 years.”

 

More Info/Reports:

CDC

World AIDS Day- Dec. 1

Black AIDS Day- Feb. 7

 

 

the seventh day of Kwanzaa is Imani, Faith!

Imani, Faith…is the seventh principle of Kwanzaa. For many African Americans, Faith is the cornerstone of  the African American experience. Our elders would remind us that Faith made it possible to “make a way out of no way”  and  “to keep on keeing on” during some of history’s most disturbing periods.  Going forward, we will need to cling tighter to Imani to adress the health and economic challenges that need our individual and collective  attention.  AIDS  requires our attention.

Last month, The Black AIDS  Institute’s 8th Annual Heroes in the Struggle Gala Reception and Awards revealed how serious  the AIDS epidemic  has grown. They indicate: 

• AIDS is the leading cause of death for Black Women aged 24-34.
• Nearly 50% of the estimated 1.2 million Americans living with HIV are Black.
• 70% of the new HIV/AIDS cases among adolescents in the US are Black.
• The AIDS epidemic in Washington D.C. is worse than the AIDS epidemic in Port-a-Prince Haiti”

The Balm in Gilead, works to improve the health status of people of  African descent  by  focusing  on  building the capacity of faith communities to address life-threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Since The Black Church has historically been the center of  faith-based (spiritual and religious) expression for African Americans, we encourage more Black Churches to join The Black Church Institute on HIV/AIDS —to save lives-spiritually and literally.