February 22, 2010

Michigan Group Promotes HIV Testing Among Black Sororities

The Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Community AIDS Resource and Education Services (CARES) center recently teamed with a variety of historically African-American sororities to encourage locals—especially those in the black community—to get tested for HIV, the Kalamazoo Gazette reports. CARES organized a testing event February 19 in cooperation with the graduate chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.

According to the article, blacks represent 14 percent of Kalamazoo’s population, but they account for 59 percent of its HIV/AIDS cases.

“When I first saw the numbers about the black community, they were staggering,” said Ondraya Dixon, a Zeta Phi Beta sorority member who participated in the testing drive. “People seem to have a fear of knowing. They just want to live life to the fullest, when they can be impacted even if they’re being careful.”

In addition, HIV specialists at CARES are working with sororities to produce one-minute YouTube videos aimed at educating the black community about the virus.  

Search: Michigan, HIV, testing, African Americans, sororities, CARES, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.

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Previous Comments:

Fabolous jacob, IMO STATE OWERRI, 2010-02-23 15:23:01
My comment is every body should Zip Up because is real i didn't believe it before but now i understand.

Ebony Barney, Indianapolis, 2010-02-23 14:44:32
My sorority's (Alpha Kappa Alpha) undergraduate and graduate chapters have been working here to fight against HIV/AIDS in a variety of ways. Education during their week of events, testing at an upcoming health fair, a skit that was performed at the Indiana Black Expo, educating chapter members, support during Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and members have supported Spotlight which is a show that annually raises funds to suppport HIV positive residents and educate those who aren't infected.