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February 03, 2009 - For immediate release:

Get Talking, Get Tested: DPH Office of HIV/AIDS Expands Awareness Campaign

Campaign Encourages Black Residents to Find Out Their HIV Status

BOSTON — In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7th, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has expanded its awareness campaign titled Get Talking, Get Tested. This campaign encourages African Americans and other black residents to get tested for HIV, and to discuss HIV with the people that they care about.

Get Talking, Get Tested will run for the month of February on buses in Boston, Springfield, Worcester, Lynn and Brockton — the five Massachusetts cities with the highest rates of new HIV infection among African Americans, sub-Saharan Africans and black residents from the Caribbean.

“This campaign encourages people to get tested, not just for their own sake, but for the sake of their family and for their community as a whole,” said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. “We want people to know that testing is fast, free and confidential, and to understand that getting tested for HIV should be a regular part of their health care routine.”

HIV/AIDS takes a higher toll on African Americans and blacks in Massachusetts than on whites. Even though black residents make up 6 % of the state population, they make up over 28% of Massachusetts residents with HIV/AIDS. This is 11 times higher than the white population.

HIV/AIDS also affects refugees and immigrants more than whites. This is especially the case in people from parts in the world where HIV/AIDS is considered more common. People from these parts of the world get tested later, which makes treating their infection more difficult. Routine HIV testing will help people find out their status sooner and benefit from earlier medical treatment if they are HIV-positive.

A complete list of state-funded free HIV counseling and testing sites is available at www.mass.gov/dph/aids.

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