What is Happening to African Americans
Kathlyn Stevenson
Issue date: 2/2/09 Section: Health
In this month when we celebrate black history, we acknowledge that black Americans have achieved much in this country since the days of slavery to the recent election of a black president.
However, there is a deadly epidemic that threatens to wipe out this ethnic group. The alarming HIV statistics show that African Americans are the hardest hit of all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.
A quick look at the facts reveal how greatly affected the black community has been by this life-threatening disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, (African Americans constitute approximately half (49%) of people who contract HIV and AIDS, although they only account for 13 percent of U.S. population. Also, HIV/ AIDS is the leading cause of death for this racial group.
What is happening in the black community? In 1999 about one in four black people lived in poverty. This has been linked with a higher incidence of HIV infection.Also, many individuals are unaware of their partners' sexual history, thereby putting themselves at risk.
Risky behaviors such as having multiple sex partners, having unprotected sex, including bi-sexual sex, or use of injection drugs can all possibly increase risk of HIV infection.
Also, many individuals are unaware of their own HIV status. People often refuse to get tested due to fear of testing positive, and how this may affect their lives.
People who are already affected with certain STDs have a higher chance of contracting HIV. The CDC statistics also show that blacks were much more likely to have gonorrhea, and syphilis than whites, putting them at higher risk for HIV infection.
There is no cure for HIV; our main hope is prevention. Abstinence is the safest way to protect oneself. Eliminating risky behaviors such as those previously mentioned, can greatly decrease the risk of ever contracting HIV.
HIV is not necessarily a death sentence for those already diagnosed; it is possible to remain healthy for years. There is much information available for those living with the disease to help them cope with it.
Other than fear of death and the obvious medical problems resulting from a compromised immune system, one major problem for those with HIV/ AIDS is fear of the stigma attached to it. Counseling may help one cope with the disease.
Having a support system - a trusted person or group of people, can also make life more enjoyable.
The fight against HIV/ AIDS is not hopeless.
Black college students are in a good position to change the attitudes of many young African Americans toward HIV/AIDS.
By taking responsibility and making mature lifestyle decisions, black college students can protect themselves and possibly reduce the rate of HIV infection within this ethnic group.
The disproportionate rate at which African Americans contract this disease is of particular interest to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As we celebrate black history, let's also work toward making a contribution to the future of black people in this country.
However, there is a deadly epidemic that threatens to wipe out this ethnic group. The alarming HIV statistics show that African Americans are the hardest hit of all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.
A quick look at the facts reveal how greatly affected the black community has been by this life-threatening disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, (African Americans constitute approximately half (49%) of people who contract HIV and AIDS, although they only account for 13 percent of U.S. population. Also, HIV/ AIDS is the leading cause of death for this racial group.
What is happening in the black community? In 1999 about one in four black people lived in poverty. This has been linked with a higher incidence of HIV infection.Also, many individuals are unaware of their partners' sexual history, thereby putting themselves at risk.
Risky behaviors such as having multiple sex partners, having unprotected sex, including bi-sexual sex, or use of injection drugs can all possibly increase risk of HIV infection.
Also, many individuals are unaware of their own HIV status. People often refuse to get tested due to fear of testing positive, and how this may affect their lives.
People who are already affected with certain STDs have a higher chance of contracting HIV. The CDC statistics also show that blacks were much more likely to have gonorrhea, and syphilis than whites, putting them at higher risk for HIV infection.
There is no cure for HIV; our main hope is prevention. Abstinence is the safest way to protect oneself. Eliminating risky behaviors such as those previously mentioned, can greatly decrease the risk of ever contracting HIV.
HIV is not necessarily a death sentence for those already diagnosed; it is possible to remain healthy for years. There is much information available for those living with the disease to help them cope with it.
Other than fear of death and the obvious medical problems resulting from a compromised immune system, one major problem for those with HIV/ AIDS is fear of the stigma attached to it. Counseling may help one cope with the disease.
Having a support system - a trusted person or group of people, can also make life more enjoyable.
The fight against HIV/ AIDS is not hopeless.
Black college students are in a good position to change the attitudes of many young African Americans toward HIV/AIDS.
By taking responsibility and making mature lifestyle decisions, black college students can protect themselves and possibly reduce the rate of HIV infection within this ethnic group.
The disproportionate rate at which African Americans contract this disease is of particular interest to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As we celebrate black history, let's also work toward making a contribution to the future of black people in this country.
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