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February 06, 2002 NAACP Calls for Support of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
NAACP President/CEO to serve as co-spokesperson
Kweisi Mfume, President & CEO, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) said today that there is an HIV/AIDS state of emergency that exists in African American communities nationwide and that efforts to increase awareness about the disease remain a top priority.
"AIDS is the leading cause of death among African Americans between the ages of 25 and 44, representing the highest case rate of those diagnosed with AIDS. That's why National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is so important. Its focus on awareness is the first step needed to ignite action. Once people are aware of this issue, they are equipped with the knowledge needed to help them make informed choices and to ultimately save lives," said Mfume, who is serving as co-spokesperson for this year's National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) scheduled for February 7, 2002.
Dr. Willarda Edwards, the NAACP's National Health Advocacy Director, said: "As a result of the advances being made in HIV/AIDS research and treatment that allow people to have longer and healthier lives, many have adopted the idea that HIV/AIDS is no longer a serious threat. Therefore, we must be vigilant in addressing this misconception and any others that may exist that downplay the severity of this disease."
This second annual observance of NBHAAD is a nationwide community mobilization effort aimed at increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will be observed in several cities across the country and has garnered the support of various national organizations.
Entering into the third decade of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the statistics remain alarmingly high in black communities nationwide. According to Edwards, "Minority youth are also at increased risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that half of all new HIV infections are among people under the age of 25." Edwards said, "Given the tremendous burden that HIV/AIDS continues to have on people of color, we encourage organizations nationwide to work together and engage in comprehensive activities that address this issue in the community." Mfume added: "It is our hope that communities will engage in activities to draw attention to the seriousness of the epidemic not only in commemoration of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, but on a consistent, ongoing basis. Working together, community by community, we can begin to curb this epidemic and the dramatic impact that it has on our nation."
HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the major issues at the forefront of the NAACP health agenda. The NAACP is dedicated to bringing attention to the importance of HIV/AIDS education, prevention, outreach, treatment and testing. The NAACP has also developed several HIV/AIDS resources, including the HIV/AIDS Film Outreach Series with a leader's discussion guide, HIV/AIDS fact sheet and teen guide.
In addition to promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, the NAACP Voter Empowerment staff will be on hand to conduct voter registration drives in each of the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day's participating cities.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
Contact: NAACP Office of Communications
410.486.9227
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