Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - November 30, 2006
"Today, I am issuing a challenge to all Americans, and specifically African American women who are the fastest growing segment of the population to be infected by HIV/AIDS, to get tested and know your status," stated Rep. Tubbs Jones.
"It has been 25 years since we first diagnosed this deadly disease called AIDS. Since this time the numbers have grown to epic proportions. An estimated one million people are currently living with HIV in the United States, with approximately 40,000 new infections occurring each year. 70 percent of these new infections occur in men and 30 percent occur in women.
"African Americans make up only 13 percent of the population, yet now account for 54 percent of all AIDS cases in the United States. Additionally, 64 percent of the new infections in women occur in African American women.
"In order to combat this problem we must begin to educate people across this country about avoiding risky behavior and the importance of protecting yourself when engaging in sexual intercourse, but first you must know your status."
December 1st is World AIDS Day. Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day serves to focus global attention on the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Observance of this day provides an opportunity for governments, national AIDS programs, churches, community organizations and individuals to demonstrate the importance of the fight against HIV/AIDS. With an estimated 38.6 million people worldwide living with HIV at the end of 2005, and more than 25 million people having died of AIDS since 1981, December 1st serves to remind everyone that action makes a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
For additional information on how to get tested visit http://www.thefreeclinic.org or contact the Free Clinic of Greater Cleveland at (216) 721-4010.
SOURCE The Office of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones
http://www.house.gov/tubbsjones
http://www.thefreeclinic.org
061130
PR061145
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