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September National HIV/AIDS Ethnic Awareness Days

Did you know that an estimated 40,000 new HIV infections occur every year in the U.S.? It is estimated that 15 to 20% of persons living with the virus DO NOT KNOW that they are infected. If you do not know that you are infected with HIV, you could be spreading the virus to others. The only way to know if you are infected is to get tested.

September 18th marks National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day. Although the number of deaths from AIDS is decreasing, the number of new infections and the number of persons living with AIDS are rising. Among the population groups increasingly at risk for HIV infection are those 50 years and older. As these numbers increase, persons living with AIDS will face the daily challenges of living with the disease as well as the daily challenges of aging. September 27th marks National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a sharp increase in the number of new infections among young (13-29) gay and bisexual men. Because of persistent and painful homophobia, stigma and discrimination people are afraid to be tested and seek treatment and health care.

Free and confidential or anonymous testing is available in a community near you.

This disease has NO CURE. There is NO Vaccine to prevent it, and it will NOT GO AWAY!!

Know your status; get tested for HIV and share the word with others to do the same! For more information call 312-948-6500 or go to www.hivaidsservicesministry.org

A SUGGESTED PETITION TO INCLUDE AT THE WEEKEND MASSES:
Compassionate God, bless the millions of children who have been orphaned because of HIV/AIDS---We pray.