HARC receives Conference of Mayors grant

YPSILANTI – HIV/AIDS Resource Center recently received a national grant from the United States Conference of Mayors to work locally to help promote HIV/AIDS education and awareness among African American men.
"HIV is affecting African Americans disproportionately, and we need to do everything we can to provide access to prevention and care services for those at risk of getting HIV, and those who are already infected with HIV," said Nicole Adelman, director of prevention programs at HARC. "This is just one example of health disparities in people of color. We cannot be complacent and watch this happen. We must help prevent this epidemic from continuing to grow."
In Washtenaw County alone, it is estimated that 530 people are currently living with HIV or AIDS, approximately one third of whom are unknowingly infected with HIV.
"According to the 2000 Census, 12.3 percent of Washtenaw County is African-American. Over the past 6 years, 35-50 percent of newly diagnosed HIV cases have been in African Americans," said Laura Bauman, epidemiologist for Washtenaw County Public Health. The Michigan Department of Community Health states that Black males have the highest HIV rate and second highest estimated number of HIV/AIDS cases in Michigan, making them the population most impacted by HIV in the state. Black females have the second highest HIV rate and the third highest estimated number of HIV/AIDS cases in Michigan.
HARC works with Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston and Washtenaw counties to prevent the spread of HIV and offers support services for those who have HIV/AIDS. Free HIV testing is available at HARC and at the Washtenaw County Health Department. For more information call Nicole Adelman at 734-572-9355.