FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 25, 2008
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day events scheduled
COLUMBIA – Events will be held around the state Feb. 7 to highlight the impact of HIV/AIDS on African-American communities, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
"South Carolina continues to have a disproportionate number of HIV/AIDS cases among African-Americans,” said Shauna Hicks, DHEC's newly appointed director of the Office of Minority Health. “We must continue, and increase, culturally competent and sensitive prevention programs in our health departments and community organizations.
"DHEC will partner with community-based organizations to sponsor activities such as free HIV testing and HIV educational forums on the eighth annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day," Ms. Hicks said. "Sites include housing communities, churches and community centers."
Ms. Hicks said that different tests will be offered, including the traditional blood draw method and the rapid test, which provides preliminary results in less than an hour.
"The theme, 'Prevention is Power,' emphasizes the strength in the actions that African-Americans can take. Those include learning the facts about HIV, knowing their HIV status and taking steps to make a difference in their communities," Hicks said. "By knowing their HIV status, people can protect their health and the health of their loved ones."
According to DHEC statistics:
- African-Americans account for 30 percent of the state's population, yet 72 percent of the recently diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in South Carolina.
- African-Americans have been hardest hit by the epidemic. Nearly seven of every 10 men and eight of every 10 women diagnosed are African-American.
- 80 percent of those 15- to 24-years-old who are newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in South Carolina are African-American.
To heighten the state's responsiveness to the disproportionate impact among African Americans, DHEC's STD/HIV Division has named Lewis Hicks consultant for its People of Color Initiatives. Mr. Hicks will lead the division's efforts among minority communities by identifying effective strategies to improve STD/HIV prevention services and providing technical assistance to community organizations.
For information on events and HIV testing sites in local communities, contact DHEC's South Carolina AIDS/STD toll-free hotline at 1-800-322-AIDS (2437).
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For more information:
Tony Price – (803) 898-0338
E-mail – priceae@dhec.sc.gov
or
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov