WEST PALM BEACH — Health officials report that for 22 years HIV/AIDS was the leading cause of death among blacks between the ages of 25 and 44. With the improvements in treatment and care it is now the fourth leading cause.
However, the disease continues to infect disproportionate numbers of black men and women versus all other ethnic groups; one in 58 black males and 1 in 83 black females.
“We continue to educate, test and treat the black community about the HIV/AIDS,” said Palm Beach County Health Department Minority AIDS Coordinator Metris Batts. “Through continued awareness we hope to stop the growing number of infected black people in our area.”
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Thursday, Feb. 7, has been established to encourage all blacks to get tested, educated and if they have HIV, get into treatment.
For further information visit pbchd.com, blackaidsday.org or call the Palm Beach County Health Department office of HIV/AIDS at 561-804-7900.
A number of events are planned throughout the day and include Batts addressing the National Urban League Incentives to Excel and Success group on the basic facts of HIV including transmission, risk factors, peer pressure and stigma.
In addition numerous locations throughout the county will offer free HIV testing and other Black AIDS Awareness activities throughout the month:
HIV Testing, STD Testing, Feb. 7, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., West Palm Beach Health Center, 1150 45th St., West Palm Beach. Contact: Palm Beach County Health Department, 561-514-5465 or 561-514-5446.
HIV Testing, STD Testing, Feb. 7, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lantana Health Center, 1250 Southwinds Dr., Lantana. Contact: Palm Beach County Health Department, 561-547-6805.
HIV Testing, STD Testing, Feb. 7, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Delray Beach Health Center, 225 S. Congress Ave., Delray Beach. Contact: Palm Beach County Health Department, 561-274-3105.
HIV Testing, STD Testing, Feb. 7, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., C.L. Brumback Health Center, 38754 State Rd. 80, Belle Glade. Contact: Palm Beach County Health Department, 561-996-1600.
Rapid HIV Testing, Feb. 7, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Genesis, 564 E. Woolbright Rd., Boynton Beach. Contact: Genesis Community Health, 561-735-6553.
Rapid HIV Testing, Feb. 7, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Palm Beach State College, Boca Raton Campus. Contact: Comprehensive AIDS Program, 561-472-2466.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Luncheon, $7 Donation Suggested, Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., M.A.I.N., Inc., 1216 Pioneer Rd., Mangonia Park. Contact: Elizabeth Robinson, 561-201-4009.
Rapid HIV Testing, Feb. 7, 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth. Contact: Lorenzo Lowe, 561-533-9699.
Movie Screening: How To Survive a Plague, Feb. 7, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth. Contact: Lorenzo Lowe, 561-533-9699.
HIV Testing, Feb. 7, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Triple “H” Community Center, 3600 Broadway, Riviera Beach. Contact: Caroline Hill, 561-255-7711.
HIV Testing, Feb. 7, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Salvation Army, 1577 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Contact: Caroline Hill, 561-255-7711.
Gospel Gala Free, Feb. 9, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., Primitive Baptist Church, 1425 Ninth St., West Palm Beach. Contact: Caroline Hill, 561-255-7711.
Community Resource Fair and Motorcycle Ride for Life Tour, $10 donation suggested, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Barracuda Bay Aquatic Complex parking lot, 1621 Blue Heron Blvd., Riviera Beach. Contact: Elizabeth Robinson, 561-201-4009.
Red Carpet Affair Dinner Dance, $15/per person, $25/couple, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Gaines Park Recreational Center, 1501 N. Australian Ave., West Palm Beach. Contact: Caroline Hill, 561-255-7711.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Outreach Activity, Feb. 15, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Hampton Court Apartments, 4761 N. Australian Ave., Mangonia Park. Contact: Shan Monroe, 561-721-2887.
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