March 10 is National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD). In recognition, Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County is hosting its 9th annual “Rocking our Red Pumps” event at Dominion Ministries International – 6542 N. Union Rd. Clayton, OH 45315 on Friday, March 7 from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. The event focuses on educating women about sexual and other health-related issues. It also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness on how social determinants of health affects HIV- related outcomes.
The Keynote speaker for the evening is Dr. Camisha Chambers, Founder of Refuge Trauma Recovery Institute in West Chester, Ohio. The event will bring unique and fun ways of learning, great music by the Deron Bell Band, mocktails & appetizers, and a chance to win the “Cutest Red Shoe Award”! Grab your favorite red shoes and join us for this free event, but you must RSVP at online or call 937.225.4023.
NWGHAAD is all about shedding light on the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. HIV is still a common public health issue, and women remain prone to infection. The most common way women get HIV is through unprotected (no condom) sex with a male partner who has HIV. During receptive sex (vaginal or anal sex), a woman has a greater risk for getting HIV.
In 2023, of the 861 new HIV diagnosis in Ohio, women made up 22% (186) of the cases. Black/African American (B/AA) women continue to be extremely affected by HIV when compared with other women.
The rate of new HIV diagnoses in 2023 among Black/AA women is over eight times higher than the rate among White women (12.5 per 100,000 vs. 1.5 per 100,000).
During this same time, of the 21 females who received a new diagnosis of HIV in Montgomery County, Ohio, 48% (10) were Black/AA, 4% (1) Hispanic/Latina, and 48% (10) White. Since Black/AA only represent 22% of the population in Montgomery County, as compared to White 71.7%, this is a significant disparity.
Public Health’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs concentrates on reducing transmission in Darke, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Clark and Greene Counties. Free anonymous and confidential HIV testing is provided. For more information visit https://www.phdmc.org/programs-a-to-z/hiv-aids-prevention.
