SAFB Supports

February 7, 2009 marked the ninth observance of the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD).  This national mobilization effort is designed to encourage African Americans across the United States and Territorial Areas to get educated, get tested, get involved and get treated for HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities.  San Antonio Fighting Back, Inc. has taken part in local NBHAAD awareness events for the past several years.

Locally, African Americans in the San Antonio Transitional Grant Area (TGA) represent 6.8% of the city’s general population and they account for 12.5% of the newly diagnosed AIDS cases in the city.  Approximately 42% of the African Americans diagnosed in the U.S. are living “out of care” due to inability, medication side effects, high cost of treatment, and the stigmas associated with positive diagnoses

In response to these staggering statistics, BEAT AIDS, Inc. in collaboration with San Antonio Fighting Back, Inc. and other leading agencies formed the San Antonio National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Committee to address the need for testing and awareness. The NBHAAD committee held FREE events including HIV testing, counseling and awareness presentations across the city. One event took place at the home of San Antonio Fighting Back, Inc. on February 10^th.  Over 50 students from George Gervin Academy Technology Center, an accelerated high school for non-traditional students, took part in awareness presentations at the Barbara Jordan Center on the east side.