Well here is something that needs more attention. While many may know that AIDS is a major epidemic in the world you may not know that there are more than 1 million people in America afflicted with the disease. It’s estimated that 40,000 people get infected with AIDS every year. It is also the leading cause of death among Black women between the ages of 25 – 34. That is unacceptable to me.
I’m happy to say that many others feel the same way. Several well known African American actors and actresses, as well as other celebrities, and institutions are helping raise awareness of this disease and to help motivate more people to get tested. The goal is to get 1 million African Americans to get an AIDS test between now and December 2008.
I think it’s a good cause. I’ve been tested every year since I was in the military back in 1986, my most recent test being this February when I got my annual physical. Knowing what is going on is critical to good health. One of my sisters caught a cancer in the initial stages because of a regular check-up. Checking is important.
On June 25th, Ms. Regina King, Mr. Henry Simmons, Mr. Hill Harper
, Ms. Vanessa Williams, and many others will be getting public HIV screening tests to help promote awareness and prevention of this disease. Institutions involved in this event include the Screen Actors Guild, Black AIDS Institute, and The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists among others.Do your part in protecting yourself and those you love. Get screened and know your status. Celebrities, entertainers, and I have done it, you can too.
This is what I think, what do you think?
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