National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) – February 7, is a time to promote HIV education, testing and treatment in Black/African American (Black/AA) communities. Black/AA people account for a higher number of new HIV cases and existing cases, compared to other races and ethnicities.

There were 866 new diagnoses of HIV reported in Ohio in 2022. Black/AA make up 13% of Ohio’s population but accounted for 47% (almost half) of the new HIV cases. From 2018-2022, Black/AA people had the highest rate of newly reported HIV infections among all race/ethnicity groups in Ohio. Of the 866 new cases of HIV in Ohio, 88 were from region 9 (Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami., Montgomery and Preble counties). Montgomery County lead the region with 54 of those cases.

Black/AA communities have made great progress in reducing HIV. Yet, issues such as racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the health care system may affect whether Black/AA people seek or receive HIV prevention services. These issues may also reduce the likelihood of engaging in HIV treatment and care. To continue to reduce the burden of HIV and other health risks, people need adequate housing and transportation, employment, access to culturally competent health services that are free of stigma and discrimination, and more.

The theme for NBHAAD 2024 is “Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities”.

• Engage: Discuss ways to better involve the Black/AA community in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts.
• Educate: Focusing on improving HIV/AIDS education among Black/AA youth and adults.
• Empower: Highlighting success stories and strategies that have effectively empowered Black/AA individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

The HIV/AIDS Prevention Committee of Region 9 (Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble counties) is hard at work in the HIV response. The committee offers case management, linkage to care, HIV testing, PrEP, syringe exchange, counseling, and referral services.

You are invited to attend two special NBHAAD events:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care and those at high risk get tested at least once a year. Some sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing (every 3 to 6 months).

Below are a list of sites offering HIV testing.