Washington, DC— Angelinos we have an epidemic on our hands.  AIDS is the leading cause of death for Blacks from ages 25 to 34 years old.  This infectious disease is not targeted to specific demographics such as race, gender, age, or ethnicity.  Anyone can get HIV.  Recent studies show that teens of all ethnicities are contracting AIDS from sexual conduct at alarming rates.  However, according to the Center for Disease Control Blacks make up 13% of the U.S. population, yet they account for about 49% of the people who get HIV and AIDS.

Although it has been 25 years since AIDS was identified, the stigma for discussing the disease still exists. This may be responsible for the drastic increase of infected young people.  Unfortunately, infected Blacks don’t live as long as people of other races and ethnic groups with AIDS. 

Anyone can get HIV.  If you’re having sex without a condom, sharing drug equipment, a needle or syringe to inject drugs, you are at risk.  Although blood transfusions were a source of AIDS  prior to 1985 , currently all blood is tested for HIV.  In addition, an infected mother can spread HIV to her baby when she delivers or breast feeds her baby.                                                                                                       

Let me emphasize the only way to know if you are infected with the virus is to get an HIV test.  There are no unusual signs indicating that you may have contracted HIV.  However, there may be warning signs of advanced stages of the HIV infection such as dry cough, rapid weight loss, and memory loss.

Let’s  work together to break the cycle.  Let’s communicate with our children and young people.  Let’s eliminate the AIDS taboo. Get tested often, know your status, and protect yourself.

Here are some confidential testing facilities:                                                   

Center for Disease Control at 1-800-232-4636, 24 hours a day, visit www. AIDS.gov or www.cdc.govv/hiv.  Feel free to visit my website or ask your personal health care provider to give you a HIV test.

Due to medical advances, people diagnosed with AIDS are living longer, healthier lives.  AIDS doesn’t have to be a death sentence, early detection is key. You have the power to take control of your life and your future.