Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day to include step show, free testing

FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Volusia County Health Department is offering free Rapid HIV testing for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Friday.

Blacks have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the epidemic’s beginning and that disparity has deepened over time.

They account for more new HIV infections, AIDS cases, people estimated to be living with HIV disease, and HIV-related deaths than any other racial/ethnic group in the U.S.

Today, there are about 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S, including more than 500,000 who are Black.

Disproportionate number

In Volusia County, Blacks make up 9 percent of the population but are 37 percent of the AIDS cases and 34 percent of the HIV cases, according to the health department.

The free testing will be available at all health department clinic locations and in Flagler County between 8:30 a.m. and noon.

The health department also is sponsoring a step show event called "Step Up and Get Tested" at the Dickerson Center in Daytona Beach. The event takes place from to 5 p.m.

This event will include free HIV testing, a step show by Bethune-Cookman University students, information tables, free food, prizes and giveaways.

Organization to host event

There also will be testing and a rummage sale Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Resource Center, 910 South Adelle Ave. in DeLand.

Testing will be provided by Prevention on the Move.

The rummage sale will include jewelry, clothing and shoes. The Joel Lawrence HIV/AIDS Foundation will provide low-cost food.

Area health department clinics:

• Daytona Beach: 1845 Holsonback Drive
  
• DeLand: 909 N. Stone St.
  
• Deltona: 3151 Howland Blvd.
  
• New Smyrna Beach: 717 W. Canal St.
  
• Flagler County: 301 S. Lemon St., Bunnell

For more information about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day events, call 386-274-0500 ext. 0629. More details about HIV/AIDS can be found online at www.volusiahealth.com or www.wemakethechange.com.