March 10th is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This day is to bring more awareness about the risks of contracting HIV and to encourage more women and girls to get tested and treated for HIV.
HIV remains a significant health issue for women and adolescent girls, with more than 280,000 women living with HIV in the United States. In 2014, an estimated 8,328 women aged 13 and older were diagnosed with HIV. The majority of these diagnoses can be attributed to heterosexual sex (CDC.gov)
HIV can infect anyone but unfortunately African-Americans are disproportionately getting infected at a higher rate.
Did you know?
- Black women accounted for 62% of new HIV diagnoses but only 13% of the female population.
- Hispanic/Latina women accounted for 16% of new diagnoses but only 15% of the female population.
- Whites accounted for 18% of new diagnoses and 64% of the female population.
Ways to stay protected
Get Tested
Use Condoms Every Time
Do not abuse alcohol or drugs
Ask about PrEP and PEP
In order to bring awareness about this issue, we decided to host a fundraising event and it was a success!
Thank you to all the family, friends and community members who attended our event on March 12th. Check out some of the pictures below.