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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Jewell Williams
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Williams joins National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
HARRISBURG, Feb. 7 – State Rep. Jewell Williams, D-Phila., is encouraging all Pennsylvanians to spread awareness about the disproportionate diagnosis of HIV and AIDS among black Americans.
Williams said Feb. 7, 2011 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and intended to promote education and prevention on what is becoming a leading cause of death within the African-American community.
"It’s important to talk to young people about HIV and AIDS, because the diseases remain a very dangerous threat to our communities," Williams said. "We need to continue talking about how the disease and virus are transmitted, what needs to be done to find a cure, and how we can help those diagnosed live with dignity and without fear of discrimination."
Williams said even though African-Americans comprise approximately 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for nearly half of the estimated new HIV and AIDS diagnoses in the U.S. each year. In Pennsylvania, African-Americans accounted for 11 percent of the population, yet 52 percent of new HIV and AIDS diagnoses.
"You do not have to get HIV and AIDS; they are preventable with education and testing," Williams said. "That's why I continue to reach out to young people in my community every year in schools and by offering workshops in the community. The diseases are becoming a silent killer in the community because no one is talking about it. Teachers, parents and guardians, and public officials must keep the conversation about HIV and AIDS going all year, not just on February 7."
Williams also voted for a resolution (H.R. 17) adopted by the state House recognizing Feb. 7 as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in Pennsylvania. More information on National Black HIV AIDS Awareness Day can be found at www.blackaidsday.org.
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