National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
The New Mexico Department of Health is proud to partner this year with multiple government agencies, including the Office of African American Affairs, advocacy groups and other organizations to promote “Two Seven”: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. A variety of educational events are taking place in Albuquerque this week, with many on Saturday, February 7th, the actual “Two Seven”.
“Many groups are working together to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward, MPH. “I encourage all New Mexicans to do their part as well - if you are sexually active or have ever injected drugs, make sure you know your current HIV status.”
One in 200 African Americans living in New Mexico is infected with HIV. The rate of HIV infection for African Americans in New Mexico is nearly three times higher than the rate for any other racial/ethnic group. Many persons living with HIV don't even know they are infected, so HIV testing remains an urgent priority. Knowing your status is the first step to receiving quality medical care for HIV.
“The Office of African American Affairs is working closely with the Department of Health and other community advocates to identify health disparities among African Americans. We recognize that in New Mexico HIV and AIDS disproportionately affects African Americans,” said Yvette Kauffman-Bell, Director of the Office of African American Affairs. “We hope that people will recognize these problems exist and take the opportunity to participate in one of the many events offering free HIV testing for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.”
2015 “Two Seven”: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day events in New Mexico include:
- Thursday, February 5th:10am-2pm at University of New Mexico (UNM) SUB Scholar Room and UNM SUB Spirit Room. Rapid HIV Testing by UNM Truman Health Services in collaboration with UNM Black Greek Letter Organization. Information table in the African American Student Services Lounge.
- Friday, February 6th: 8:10am – 9:40am and 1:30pm – 3pm at New Futures High School, 5400 Cutler Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. The event will include HIV 101 education, a panel of persons living with HIV and other information and referrals offered by NMDOH, UNM Truman Health Services, and the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs (OAAA).
- Saturday, February 7th: 4:30pm-9pm at NMPower, 136 Washington Street SE Suite D, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Free rapid HIV testing, educational entertainment, food, resources and a health fair and more. Many organizations will be helping with this big community event including NMDOH, Project BlackOUT, OAAA, and UNM Truman Health Services.
- Sunday, February 8th: 10:15am-2pm at New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1901 Pennsylvania Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Free rapid testing for HIV (results on the spot) provided by NMDOH from 11:30 to 2:00. There will also be a presentation during church services.
- Thursday, February 19th: 11am-1pm at UNM Student Union Building, (SUB) Ballroom A. Services include educational presentations, a panel of persons with HIV and rapid HIV testing provided by NMDOH, UNM Truman Health Services, and OAAA, in collaboration with UNM Black Student Union and UNM African American Student Services.
- Saturday, February 21st: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Highland High School 4700 Coal Avenue SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 in coordination with the NM Black History Month STEM Festival/Work It Out Day. Services include educational presentations, a panel of persons with HIV and rapid HIV testing provided by NMDOH, UNM Truman Health Services, OAAA, and additional collaborating partners.
The New Mexico Department of Health HIV Prevention Program funds projects in all regions of New Mexico that aim to prevent HIV infection and help people make safer choices. Some of the risk reduction strategies include teaching people to use condoms, reminding them not to share syringes and helping to disclose HIV status to a partner.
There are programs designed specifically for African Americans. Services available statewide include free HIV counseling, testing and referral services at Public Health Offices and community organizations.
Community members can find test sites in their area using the HIV/STD/Hepatitis Resource Guide.
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