Love and Politics II, an initiative to raise awareness of the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic, will take place June 27th on National HIV Testing Day with two events – a community-focused, free-testing event in Harlem, NY and an evening reception for urban young professionals at the social club, Parlor, in Manhattan.
These events aim to educate as well as to encourage New York City residents, in particular, residents of color, to get tested. Love and Politics II is being hosted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Young Professionals United for Change, National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA), Young Women of Color HIV/AIDS Coalition (YWCHAC), National Action Network (NAN), Being Latino, Manhattan Community Board 10, Human Intonation, Veaux Productions and bcondoms. Dr. Aletha Maybank, Assistant Commissioner of the New York Health Department and Chair of the Young Physician’s Committee of the Empire State Medical Association said, “The participation of all of these organizations in this effort illustrates that every individual, every group and every community has a role in stopping the HIV epidemic. The biggest tragedy is that the disproportionate rates of infection that we are seeing in the African American and Latino communities are avoidable, but only if we continue to aggressively raise awareness and encourage people to get tested.”
C. Virginia Fields, President and CEO, National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS added, “We would like to thank our partners and the leadership of the many young professionals involved. Once again, National HIV Testing Day reminds us of the importance of knowing our HIV status. It is through partnerships like these, that we will defeat HIV/AIDS”. Athena Moore, Director of Public Policy, NBLCA underscored, “At last year’s event I witnessed conversations concerning HIV/AIDS that would have otherwise not been had. It’s necessary to do whatever we can to continue and grow these conversations, as they are probably our greatest weapon in the fight against this disease”.
The host organizations are working to shed light on the staggering statistics of this avoidable disease. Every 9.5 minutes someone in the U.S. becomes infected with HIV, moreover, NYC has the largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the NYC AIDS case rate is almost 3 times the U.S. average and AIDS is the third leading cause of death for NYC residents aged 35-54. In the context of the African American and Latino communities, the situation is even more disturbing with these two communities comprising 80% of new HIV diagnoses. An even more alarming fact is that one out of every five people living with HIV/AIDS is unaware of his or her status, which is why testing is so critical.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic cannot be stopped unless we consistently continue to educate communities, particularly those most affected. Brian Benjamin, Founder of Young Professionals United for Change emphasized, “Sadly, many in the African American and Latino community, particularly young adults, do not believe that they are susceptible to this disease, which is a large part of the problem. This dynamic is exactly why getting young professionals engaged in this effort is so vital. We must continue to educate our community on the fact that HIV does not discriminate.”
Day Event
Free HIV Testing: Wednesday, June 27th, 2012, from 11am – 4pm at in front of the Adam Clayton Powell Building (Harlem). HIV/AIDS testing will be provided on-site by Harlem United and Iris House. The radio station, WBLS 107.5, will be on site providing music and giveaways.
Evening Event
Evening Awards Reception: Wednesday, June 27, 2011, from 6:30pm-10:30pm at Parlor located at 286 Spring Street, Manhattan. The evening gathering is designed to open the eyes of NYC’s young, professional community to the realities of the HIV/AIDS crisis. There will be discussions regarding strengthening leadership and advocacy within this network in order o create change on the HIV/AIDS front. On-site testing will be provided by the Community Health Network and Iris House. NYC Councilwoman Inez Dickens, NYC Councilwoman Letitia James, Television Personality and HIV/AIDS Activist Melyssa Ford and Reggie Nance, former Director of Incite at Emmis Communications (97.1, 98.7) will be recognized for the strides they have made in the fight against the virus.
About National HIV Testing Day:
National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is an annual campaign coordinated by the National Association of People with AIDS to encourage people of all ages to “Take the Test, Take Control.” Early HIV diagnosis is critical, so people who are infected can fully benefit from available life-saving treatments. Currently, almost 40 percent of people with HIV are not diagnosed until they already have developed AIDS. That can be up to 10 years after they first became infected with HIV. Finding out whether you are infected with HIV is the first step to improving your health and the health of your partners and your family. To find out more about and where you can get tested in New York City, visit www.facebook.com/NYCKnows.
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