HIV Rates in the Black Community and National Black AIDS Day on February 7

Studies show that HIV infection rates among black Americans is growing. People within the black American community cite stigma as a roadblock to curtailing these rising rates.

To address these rising rates, National Black AIDS Day, this year on February 7, hopes to educate as well as encourage people to get tested, get involved and get treatment. More information is available at http://www.blackaidsday.org/.

An August 2008 NPR story addressed this rise of HIV infection in the black community in America: "Blacks account for 45 percent of new HIV infections. Their infection rate is seven times that of whites. Infections among Hispanics are three times higher."

Artists of color are using their voice and talent to spark conversation about AIDS. The November 2008 issue of Poz magazine highlights the AIDS Project Los Angeles' (APLA) efforts to bring AIDS to the forefront of black culture. They published To Be Left With the Body, a compilation of written and visual art by artists of color addressing a variety of issues within the community.

As more people get tested and the conversations grow about education, testing, action and treatment, we can help stem these rising rates.