Black Issues : HIV Care in the Black Community

"HIV is a disease state in which the overwhelming number of people with the disease are black—it's not even a close call. As black doctors, we know to screen for hypertension, diabetes, cervical and prostate cancer because they happen disproportionately in our community. HIV has emerged as the leading cause of death among black women ages 25 to 44 and one of the top three causes of death for black men ages 25 to 54. We must encourage more patients to test for HIV—and get those who are ready, to start treatment. Throughout this special POZ Focus, several other African-American HIV specialists and I share insights and ideas for HIV prevention, testing and treatment. As physicians, we've got lots on our plates. But a few key steps, taken individually, can have a vast impact in the fight against AIDS in the black community."

—M. Keith Rawlings, MD medical director, Peabody Health center, Dallas, Texas president, Integrated Minority AIDS Network Inc. (IMANI)

AFRICAN AMERICANS ARE:

13%
of the U.S. population

50%
of new HIV diagnoses

56%
of AIDS deaths

65%
of new teen AIDS cases

67%
of news AIDS cases among women

Cynthia Allen, Norcross, Ga., 2010-06-18 21:35:53
I try to get as much understand as I can and learn as much as I can so I can bring it back to help my community.

Jim, Seattle, 2010-06-01 18:47:21
It took sometime for me to accept my diagnosis and even then I did nothing. After suffering HIV dementia and bouncing back into the saddle I can't preach enough to get tested because what you don't know can kill. We the Afro-American community really need to wake up and smell the coffee. Less prejudice, sanctimony and ignorance can go a long way in keeping our community alive.

STRF, Washington, 2010-05-22 08:25:13
I will like to know, why is the care for AIDS patients so poor especially patients with government insurance only. I would really ike to know what is suppose to be the solution for this wide spread disease. There's a lot of info that is kept secret. How can we as human beings be so cold? You never know who has what until you are told. Why? I understand HIPPA laws and all, but I want to know why the CDC/DOH can alert someone for all other STDs, but not HIV/AIDS. Please someone respond!!!!

sunnysideup, New York, 2008-04-16 06:49:26
We as a people must unite in educating our childern,our community,about how HIV is effecting us and why HIV is so strong in the black community...Drugs and the lack of spiritual guidence lack of educatio...unless we tap into what the root of the problem the numbers will continus to rise...So lets rise the awareness of whats really going on...Lets start in our homes,our churches and in our communities...To save the posterity of ourselves.