In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), a community wide coalition of agencies lead by the Multi-Cultural Addictions Network, Inc. and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County have come together to continue raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in the black community.
The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day signature event will feature choirs from across Orlando coming together at the Pine Hills Performing Arts Center, 5600 W. Colonial Dr. Suite 302 Orlando, FL 32808 on February 7th from 4:00-8:00pm to raise their voices in harmony and bring family, friends and neighbors to get tested for HIV/AIDS.
There will be individual incentives and an award for the choir that brings the most individuals to be tested. The event includes free testing, a candlelight memorial and the recognition of “Unsung Heroes” in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the areas of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS services and community advocacy. The entire community is invited to participate in this free event.
The Florida Department of Health estimates that:
- As of 2012, there were 98,530 people living with HIV statewide, but Blacks account for 49% of the total.
- Blacks comprise only 14% of the adult population in Florida, but represent 44% of adult HIV infection cases and 53% of adult AIDS cases reported in 2012.
- In Orange County through 2012 there was 7,174 persons living with a diagnosis of HIV, of those 3,058 were Blacks.
The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day event can help reduce these statistics by encouraging individuals to get educated about HIV, get tested, get involved and if positive, get treated.
