Fulton Health Services recognizes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day | Health

In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on February 7, Fulton County Health Services will provide FREE HIV testing and counseling to residents.  NBHAAD is a nationwide mobilization effort designed to encourage African Americans across the United States to get educated, get tested, get treated and involved with HIV/AIDS, as it continues to affect African American communities.

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded a $4.5 million grant to Fulton County to implement high impact HIV prevention programs in both Fulton and DeKalb Counties.   The overall goal of the grant is to identify more residents who are HIV infected but are unaware of their status and to link those individuals with medical services and treatment.  The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 HIV infected persons are unaware of their status.

According to the CDC, among all racial/ethnic groups, African Americans bear the greatest burden HIV in the United States. It is estimated that 1 in 16 black men and 1 in 32 black women will be diagnosed with HIV infection during their lifetime. In 2009, blacks made up 14 percent of the US population but accounted for nearly half (44 percent) of all new HIV infections.

Free testing and counseling will be offered:

Saturday, February 2

Greenbriar Mall

2841 Greenbriar Parkway, Lower Level

Atlanta, GA 30331

12:00 Noon – 4:00 pm

Thursday, February 7

Aldredge Health Center

99 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr., SE

Atlanta, GA 30303

9:00 am – 12:00 Noon

For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day call (404) 613-1468 or log-on to www.fultoncountygahealth.org.