Hahn Recognizes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Washington, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Janice Hahn (CA-36) joined her colleagues Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congresswoman Maxine Waters in recognizing February 7th as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. HIV/AIDS infections of African-American men and women account for 44% of new infections, despite making up only 14% of the population.

“HIV/AIDS has taken far too many lives,” said Rep. Hahn. “Los Angeles has been a primary battleground in this fight and we must do everything in our power to help treat victims and stop new infections from taking place. That it is why I’m raising my voice with my congressional colleagues to alert my constituents about the problem and the resources available to help.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), African-American women in the United States are 15 times more likely to be living with HIV than white women their own age. In addition HIV infections among young black men have grown at an alarming rate.

In addition the CDC has put together a website with a set of tools to educate the public, explains how to get tested or how to get involved to raise awareness.

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