Announcement
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 1, 2008

About half of the people with HIV/AIDS in the United States are Black, although Blacks represent only 10% of the population. The figures in Columbus mirror these national trends. That is why National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is so critical.

Member agencies of the Columbus Regional Advisory Group for HIV Prevention (CRAG) are working together to provide free events for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day from February 2-11. The focus of these events is to teach that prevention is power, and to encourage individuals to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated.

Columbus Events

About the Columbus Regional Advisory Group (CRAG)

The CRAG is a federally-mandated advisory group with a mission to reduce the spread of HIV by providing community input into local HIV prevention planning and services. This mission is accomplished through collaboration of Columbus Public Health, the Ohio Department of Health, and community members representing the epidemiological profile of HIV/AIDS in Columbus.

A National Issue, A Local Issue.

U.S. --- African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Since 1981 when the first cases were diagnosed, AIDS has killed more than 20 million people, with African Americans accounting for 40 percent of those deaths. In addition, in the United States African Americans account for more than 49 percent of the more than 1 million AIDS cases that have been diagnosed, though they make up only 13 percent of the population (HHS).

Franklin County, Ohio --- Of people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, 42% were African American (2002-2004, ODH).  Of all people living with HIV/AIDS, at least 38% were African American (2004, ODH).

Get the Latest on Prevention, Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Research.

For this important issue, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched a web site offering information on prevention, testing, treatment, and vaccine research at www.blackaidsday.org.

For more information on local testing and services at Columbus Public Health.