On Monday, June 27, 2016, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation's leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, will join families and communities across the nation on National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) to highlight the need for Black America to get tested. On this day, we will unite to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and early diagnosis of HIV in order for us to live our healthiest lives. We are reminded that we all have the power to serve as change agents for our loved ones by leading by example and getting tested. As the 2016 NHTD theme implores us to Take the Test. Take Control., we ALL have the opportunity to end the spread of HIV and make a difference!
Know the Facts
When it comes to African Americans, our communities bear the brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In 2014, 44% of estimated new HIV diagnoses in our nation were among African Americans, who comprise 12% of the US population. Among all African Americans diagnosed with HIV in 2014, an estimated 57% were gay or bisexual men. Of those gay and bisexual men, 39% were young men aged 13 to 24.
New CDC analysis released earlier this year estimates that about 1 in 2 or half of Black men who have sex with men (MSM) will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetime.
This staggering statistic does not have to become our communities' reality if we ALL play a role in fostering an environment where HIV testing is part of our health care regimen. Support, not judgment, is the needed common behavior extended to those in our communities living with HIV. Learn more about who and when you should get tested HERE.
Take Action NOW!
GET TESTED:
You should test for HIV at least every six (6) months. Need help finding somewhere to get tested? Visit www.hivtest.org to find testing services in YOUR LOCAL community. You can also find an HIV testing location near you by:
Text your ZIP code to "KNOW IT" (566948)
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO
GET IN CARE:
If you test positive for HIV, get in care ASAP! Find a provider you can trust and develop a treatment plan in order to take control of your health. If you test negative for HIV, you still need to be in touch with a primary care physician. Click HERE to find a list of health care providers in your community who have demonstrated their support for the health and wellness of LGBTQ people.
END STIGMA:
Take a courageous step and speak out about testing for HIV with your family, friends, and on social media. Let's have a real and authentic conversation about how we can ALL end the HIV epidemic in our nation. Key to this conversation, and ultimately ending the epidemic, is confronting the hurtful stigma that is still associated with HIV/AIDS by so many in our communities. We all deserve respect, love, and ultimately justice, which means we must ALL be a part of the fight to end HIV.
Join the National Black Justice Coalition on Facebook & Twitter
as we spread the message about NHTD on Monday, June 27!
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS.
