African Americans Account For 40% Of U.S. HIV-AIDS Cases

Black and African-American clients aren’t taking advantage of prevention options because of stigma and fear.

(Atlanta, GA)  —  Today is National Black HIV-AIDS Awareness Day and the statistics tell an alarming story.  The CDC says while Blacks and African-Americans make up 13-percent of the U.S. population, they account for 40-percent of those with HIV.  Dr. Laura Cheever, AIDS expert at the Health Resources and Services Administration, estimates a quarter-million people know they have HIV in America and aren’t seeking regular medical care.  She also says many Black and African-American clients aren’t taking advantage of prevention options because of stigma and fear.