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MDCH Announces Michigan's Seventh Annual Black AIDS Awareness Campaign
February 04, 2011
In an effort to improve the overall health of all Michigan residents, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is holding its seventh annual Black AIDS Awareness Campaign in February and March, supporting this year's theme, "It Takes a Village."
"The majority of people contracting HIV in Michigan are people of color. The African-American community, in particular, is disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS," said Amna Osman, director of MDCH's Division of Health, Wellness and Disease Control. "The reasons are not directly related to race or ethnicity, but rather to the barriers that face many black Americans, such as poverty, education and stigma. By combining education and awareness through this campaign, we are moving forward to reduce the disproportionate impact this epidemic has within the African-American community as well as highlight the need for those at risk to be tested."
The campaign continues through March 12. It includes the 11th Annual Observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Feb. 7, a national HIV testing and treatment mobilization initiative that is designed to build the capacity and increase awareness, participation and support for HIV prevention, care and treatment among black Americans. The campaign also encompasses the 6th Annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on March 10 and the 22nd Annual Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS March 6 - 12.
The MDCH data clearly illustrates the impact of AIDS on African-Americans. While representing only 14% of Michigan's general population, as of October 2010, it is reported that 59% of persons living with HIV/AIDS are African-American, with the Metro Detroit area home to 65% of those HIV positive.
The MDCH also indicates in its Annual Review of HIV Trends of May 2010, that this is the fifth report showing an increase in new diagnoses among teens, 13-19 years of age, with 85% of them being African-American.
Events are planned across Michigan to raise awareness and promote HIV testing among Michigan residents. Health awareness fairs and HIV counseling and testing are among the many events that are included in this campaign. To find an HIV testing site in your area, a planned event, or to obtain additional information about HIV/AIDS, please call the Michigan AIDS Hotline at (800) 872-AIDS (2437).