D.A.P. Marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – February 5, 2008)

“Of all racial and ethnic groups in the United States, HIV and AIDS have hit African-Americans the hardest. That’s why it’s important that February 7 was created as National Black HIV/AIDS Day,” says David Brinkman, Executive Director of Desert AIDS Project. “Even though blacks account for about 13% of the U.S. population, they account for almost half of the people who get HIV and AIDS. D.A.P. invites everyone – no matter what their race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation – to get tested. Learning our HIV status is one of the best ways any of us can make the right choices about our health care.”

Anyone interested in knowing more about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day can visit www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays. Desert AIDS Project offers confidential HIV testing with results in about 20 minutes. To learn more about HIV testing at Desert AIDS Project or to make an appointment, please call 323-2118.

Desert AIDS Project at the Greenburg-Peet Family Center is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive services to help manage HIV disease. D.A.P. offers primary medical care through its Wells Fargo HIV Health Center. The Project provides widespread education and prevention services for schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and health organizations throughout the communities it serves.