Hughes Recognizes National Black HIV/AID Awareness Day

HARRISBURG, February 3 – State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Phila.) today joined with state Rep. Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny), as well as other legislators and HIV/AIDS practitioners and advocates to recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which takes place Saturday, February 7.

“HIV/AIDS has ravaged the black community, leaving devastation and heartbreak in its wake,” Hughes said.  “I cannot stress enough the importance of getting tested, getting involved and getting educated on HIV/AIDS.”

A national report indicates that half of all people living with HIV in the United States are African American.  Nearly two-thirds of all new cases of HIV are found in African American women.  AIDS is the No. 1 cause of death for African American women ages 25 to 34, beating out heart disease, cancer and homicide.

Hughes has long been a vocal fighter against the HIV/AIDS epidemic and Pennsylvania has been at the forefront of this pressing health crisis, as well.

“In the past 5 years working with Gov Rendell and the former Sec. of Health Dr. Calvin Johnson, we have increased the funding for HIV prevention, testing and education, significantly,” Hughes said.  “We have also tried a new and innovative approach to testing, moving the format from a one week test-to-result period to a rapid test program.”

In the rapid testing process, a person being tested can receive their results in a 30 minute period.  Traditional testing which has a one-week wait until providing the results, had a 40% drop off in people not coming back to receive their results.  Hughes asserted that now folks can know their status immediately, and can get the appropriate counseling and treatment.

Hughes also recognized that there is more that can be done to fight HIV/AIDS, including better access to healthcare for those infected and more education initiatives.

“It is time for significant action,” Hughes said.  “We need to stand up, stand tall, be vocal and be vigilant in our communities,  that is the only way to fight this growing epidemic.”

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an annual community mobilization HIV testing and treatment initiative founded in 2001.  This year’s theme is “Black Life is Worth Saving.”

“This year’s theme is very profound in light of our electing the first black President of the United States,” Hughes said.  “President Obama, who is an ardent supporter of the fight against HIV/AIDS, has given new hope to the black community that their lives are just as important as anyone else’s.”

In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Hughes is urging everyone to find out their own status.  Go to www.testtogether.org and enter your zip code to get linked to test sites in your area or contact Hughes’ office at 215-471-0490. 

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