Daily HealthBeat Tip

Status check

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

HIV knows no boundaries and no race. But the virus afflicts people in some groups more than others. Blacks are especially at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. A recent multi-city study shows almost half of black men who had sex with men were infected. However, everyone needs to get tested and know their status � especially black women, and men who have sex with men.

That's why today � February 7th � is important. It's National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The director of HHS' Office of Minority Health, Dr. Garth Graham:

"Protect yourself, your family and community. Get educated. Get involved. Get tested." (five seconds)

And if the test is positive, the next step is to get treated.

The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Web site has a way to find local-level testing sites.

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: February 7, 2006

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