National Black AIDS Awareness Day

February 7 is now recognized as National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day. This day has been established to bring continued awareness to the fact that this is a disease that is disproportionately affecting the black community. For a group that makes up such a small percentage of the US population we make up about half of all new HIV infections. What's worse is that we're usually diagnosed at a much later stage of the infection as we generally don't get tested until we think there is something wrong.

It is estimated that 1/4 of the people currently living with HIV are unaware of their status. Since these people don't know they are infected, they are going around infecting others. That is why it is so important for people to get tested and get tested regularly. Early detection is important in living a long, productive life. Many people that may be experiencing HIV symptoms (unexplainable weight loss, fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes) and just continue with life as usual. Time heals everything - right? Don't take that chance.

I know I'm making this post on February 8 (the day after Black AIDS Awareness Day) but I was a bit busy organizing the event for Phoenix - Black Life Is Worth Saving (more about that later). This is serious yall. Black folks are still dying from this disease and we need to do something about it.

Get tested! Get tested! Get tested!