FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2009

Media Contact:
ASHA Media Relations
P.O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Fred Wyand
(919) 361 - 3124 (voice)
(919) 361 - 8425 (fax)
mediarelations@ashastd.org

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day RTP, NC--. February 7, 2009 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), a national mobilization effort designed to encourage African-Americans across the United States and Territorial Areas to get educated, get tested, get treated, and get involved with HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities

HIV/AIDS is a leading killer of African-American men and women. Unfortunately, many of those who are infected with the disease are unaware of their HIV status and may unknowingly transmit the virus to others. It's time to educate each other and begin to make a difference. On this commemorative day, African-Americans are encouraged to get educated, get tested, get treated, and get involved with HIV/AIDS. Special events such as press conferences, community forums, church services, community marches and rallies, and free HIV/AIDS testing, counseling and referrals will also be held throughout the nation.

“Our major mission is to increase the awareness and visibility of HIV/AIDS and encourage prevention at the national, regional, state and local community levels,” says Steven Davis , of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead sponsor and a member of the NBHAAD Strategic Leadership Council.

While African Americans represent approximately 13 percent of the U.S. population, the CDC reports that the group accounts for almost half (49%) of the nation's AIDS cases.

Although NBHAAD is a nationwide effort, organizers are focusing efforts on 18 cities to ensure that Black communities realize that the epidemic is not slowing; it is picking up steam in certain parts of the country. These cities include Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Newark, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco, Trenton and Washington, D.C.

Several African-American celebrities and community leaders have been asked to serve as the face and voice of this huge effort while encouraging thousands of Black communities to mobilize and do something that will be long-lasting in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Confirmed spokespersons to date include: Congressman Elijah E. Cummings; Tony Dungy; Idris Elba; Kimberly Elise; Lance Gross; Hill Harper; Taraji P. Henson; Tom Joyner; Congresswoman Barbara Lee; Bishop Eddie Long; Ludacris; Master P; Tangi Miller; Patrik-Ian Polk; General Colin Powell; Sheryl Lee Ralph; Gloria Reuben; Romeo; Rev. Edwin Sanders; Tavis Smiley; and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Currently, NBHAAD is directed, planned and organized by a group known as the Strategic Leadership Council who partners with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to mobilize communities and address specific issues in regards to local epidemics and best practices that are science based and will influence the course of HIV in Black communities across the country.

For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day , visit www.blackaidsday.org .

The American Social Health Association (ASHA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1914 to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities, with a focus on educating about and preventing sexually transmitted infections. ASHA's educational web sites include: www.ASHAstd.org , www.iwannaknow.org (teen site), and www.quierosaber.org (Spanish language teen site).