Press Release
FEBRUARY 4th, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
CONTACT: Lindsay
Hodges
Press Secretary
Office of
Communications
Florida Department of
Health
850/245-4111
205-4111 SUNCOM
850/488-6495 FAX |
TALLAHASSEE-The Florida
Department of Health (DOH)
recognizes February 7 as
National Black HIV/AIDS
Awareness Day (NBHAAD) to
address the overwhelming
impact this disease has on
the nation’s black
community, and encourage
counseling and testing for
the virus.
“Minority communities throughout our state and nation have
been hit hard by the
HIV/AIDS epidemic,” said DOH
Secretary John O. Agwunobi,
M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H. “There
is a dire need to heighten
awareness of, and concern
for, HIV/AIDS among all of
Florida’s black citizens. We
must end the cycle of health
disparity among minority
citizens in our state.”
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the leading
cause of death for black
Floridians between the ages
of 25 and 44. DOH estimates
that one in 46 blacks in
Florida has human
immunodeficiency virus
(HIV).
NBHAAD was initiated in 2001 by the Community Capacity
Building Coalition, a group
composed of national
organizations from across
the country. This year marks
the fifth year the event
will take place nationally,
and in all of Florida’s 67
counties.
County Health Departments throughout the state will partner
with numerous
community-based
organizations and community
leaders to demonstrate
commitment to reducing
HIV/AIDS disparities in
Florida’s black communities.
Events and activities will
take place throughout the
state to boost awareness of
the prevalence of HIV/AIDS
among the state’s black
community.
For resources and information concerning the coalition and
NBHAAD visit
www.blackaidsday.org
or
www.WeMakeTheChange.com.
For information on NBHAAD
events and activities,
contact the local county
health department.
For more information on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, visit DOH at
www.doh.state.fl.us.
####.
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