February 7, 2011 signifies the 11th year for National Black HIV and AIDS Awareness Day, a nationwide initiative aimed at mobilizing the adverse impact of HIV and AIDS on the African-American community through education, awareness, testing and treatment. Currently, there are five national organizations partnered with the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that are working to curb the negative impact of HIV and AIDS, they are: Alliances for Quality Education, Inc.; Healthy Black Communities, Inc.; Multi-Cultural Addictions Network, Inc.; My Brothers Keeper, Inc.; and National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS.
Get The Facts
By studying the statistics over the past 30 years, its evident African-Americans have been the target of the HIV and AIDS endemic. According to the CDC, these are the facts:
– At the end of 2007, African-Americans accounted for almost half (46%) of people living with a diagnosis of HIV infection in the 37 states and 5 US dependent areas with long-term, confidential, name-based HIV reporting. An alarming fact, since African-Americans make up only 12 percent of the U.S population.
– In 2006, blacks accounted for nearly half (45%) of new infections in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
– In 2006, black men accounted for two-thirds of new infections (65%) among all blacks. The rate of new HIV infection for black men was 6 times as high as that of white men, nearly 3 times that of Hispanic/Latino men, and twice that of black women.
– In 2006, the rate of new HIV infection for black women was nearly 15 times as high as that of white women and nearly 4 times that of Hispanic/Latina women.
– In 2006, HIV was the ninth leading cause of death for all blacks and the third leading cause of death for both black men and black women aged 35–44.
Get Tested
The overwhelming lack of awareness of HIV status, within the African-American community, is a major cause for the spread of the disease. According to the CDC, in a recent study of men who have sex with men (MSM) in five cities, 67% of the HIV infected black MSM were unaware of their infection. Do your part to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS – know your status. The Mecklenburg County Health Department offers free HIV and AIDS testing on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary. Tests are free and confidential. Appointments are needed for STD screening and can be made by calling 704-336-6500. Below are the locations and hours for free HIV and AIDS testing in Charlotte:
| Northwest Campus | Southeast Campus | |
| 2845 Beatties Ford Road | 249 Billingsley Road | |
| Monday | 8am – 5pm | 8am – 5pm |
| Tuesday | 8am – 5pm | 8am – 5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am – 7pm | 8am – 5pm |
| Thursday | 8am – 5pm | 10am – 7pm |
| Friday | 8am – 5pm |
In addition to the Health Department, other community Syphilis/HIV testing sites have been established by SMASH (Stopping Mecklenburg’s Acceleration of Syphilis or HIV) and other community based organizations throughout Mecklenburg County. For more information, call the hotline number at 704-432-TEST (8378). View this month’s testing calendar.
Get Involved
Each year, community leaders locally, nationally and internationally organize events and activities in an effort to make a difference. Below is a list of organizations in Charlotte organizing efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS:
Rain – Regional AIDS Interfaith Network
501 N Tryon Street
704-372-7246
Carolinas CARE Partnership (formerly Regional HIV-AIDS Consortium)
7510 E Independence Suite 105
704-531-2467
Want to know how to get involved? You’re invited to attend a citywide event in commemoration of the 11th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. On February 19, 2011 The Red Pump Project – Charlotte is hosting a dinner party as a part of RAIN’s (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network) Dining with Friends.
Beginning at 7 p.m., The Red Pump Project’s party will provide an exciting atmosphere where you can enjoy great food and beverage delights, casual environment, music, games and ultimately be educated about HIV/AIDS and the issues surrounding it. Red Pump Project – Charlotte hopes to advance HIV awareness in a subliminal approach through the play of childhood games. Tickets are only $10, if purchased through Red Pump Charlotte, and includes free entry to the finale event.
Location | Red at 28th: 2424 N Davidson St., Suite 112, Charlotte, NC | 7 p.m.
The evening is topped off when we all gather for the Finale, at the McColl Center for Visual Art, to celebrate everyone’s fundraising efforts. The Finale will highlight some of the best desserts from local restaurants, along with champagne, coffee and cocktails.
Finale | McColl Center of Art: 721 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC | 9 p.m.
For more information, e-mail Brittani Menina, Red Pump Charlotte Ambassador, The Red Pump Project at redpumpcharlotte@theredpumpproject.com.
