The BEAT AIDS Coalition has organized a week of events in advance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day which is observed this year on February 7.
The national website for the observance explains, “February 7, 2015 marks the 15th year for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a national HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative targeted at Blacks in the United States and the Diaspora. NBHAAD was founded in 1999 as a national response to the growing HIV and AIDS epidemic in African American communities.”
Bexar County saw an 11 percent increase in HIV infection from 2012 to 2013, according to statistics released by the San Antonio Metro Health Department last summer. The number of those infected rose 62 percent since 2006. The rate of infection in Bexar County is almost triple the rest of the state.
In 2013, 78 percent of all new cases of HIV infection in Bexar County were among young gay and bisexual men. Black and Hispanic men represent the largest number of those infected.
BEAT AIDS released the following schedule of events marking the observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in San Antonio
Tuesday, February 3
Bexar County Commissioners Court – 10 a.m.
Reading of proclamation recognizing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by Bexar County
Walgreens on E. Houston and New Braunfels, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
BEAT AIDS, Alamo Area Resource Center, San Antonio AIDS Foundation, San Antonio Fighting Back, The PLAY Campaign, San Antonio Health Department, University of Texas of at San Antonio Health Science Center and City of San Antonio Ryan White Planning Council will be doing HIV testing, distributing condoms and providing information on services and programs available to those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS and bring awareness to minimize HIV incidence in San Antonio.
Wednesday, February 4
San Antonio College – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Information provided – Condom Distribution
St. Philips College – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
HIV Testing – Condom Distribution – Information provided
UTSA – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
HIV Testing – HIV 101 – HIV Education – Entertainment – Surprise!! – My Story – HIV + person shares their story – Condom Distribution – Information Provided
Our Lady Of The Lake University – 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
HIV Testing – Information Provided
Healy-Murphy Center – 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
HIV 101 – HIV Education – My Story – HIV + person shares their story – Information Provided
Thursday, February 5
George Gervin Youth Center – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The AIDS Lady – A play that educates on the topic of HIV ( HIV 101 + My Story combination – HIV Testing – Information Provided
The Saint Night Club – 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
HIV Testing- Information provided – Condom Distribution – Body painting – Side Show Attractions – Theatre acts – Photo Booth – Hard Fact Stats on HIV in San Antonio act – Stop Stigma – Dance Act – Raffle Off prizes
Friday, February 6
Magnolia Gardens – 11:30 a.m .to 1:00 p.m.
Leaders Summit Luncheon – African- American leaders in the community – Honorary Chairperson Leticia Van de Putte – HIV and African American individual shares their story – Guest Speaker Dr. Fernando Garcia – Presentation of Community Champion Award
Saturday, February 7
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
BEAT AIDS will be open and conducting HIV testing at the agency from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
