HIV Testing Promoted at Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day
The National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign recently supported Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day, a national campaign encouraging Americans to see a health care provider.
With outreach efforts specifically geared toward African Americans, Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day promotes the importance of regular health screenings. Before, during and after the day, health messages aired on hundreds of radio stations across the country offering specific tips on leading a healthier life and discussing the gap between the health of African Americans and other members of the U.S. population.
The Campaign participated in two events on Tuesday, April 8, 2008:
In Detroit, an event was held at the Northwest Activities Center and featured on-air radio personality “Ms. Dupre” of The Tom Joyner Show.
In Washington, DC, the event was held at Providence Hospital, and featured on-air radio personalities Sybil Wilkes and “Huggy Lowdown.”
Both events were featured as part of the live broadcast live of the Tom Joyner Show from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. Joyner, an ABC national radio personality, is the chairperson for Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day.
At the events, the National HIV Community Mobilization Campaign hosted exhibit booths to educate individuals about the importance of getting tested for HIV as part of their routine medical care. HIV testing was offered at both the events, along with blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol screenings, and other health assessments.
Both Washington, DC, and Detroit have been severely impacted by HIV/AIDS. In 2006, the District of Columbia had the highest rate of new reports of AIDS cases nationally (128.4 cases per 100,000 population, compared to 14.0 cases per 100,000 population in the United States). Although African Americans account for 57 percent of the District’s population, they account for 81 percent of new reports of HIV cases in Washington, DC.
Detroit is also disproportionately affected by the disease. The Detroit Metropolitan Area has 64 percent of Michigan residents living with HIV (8,286 of the 12,972 cases reported statewide), but only 45 percent of the general population. HIV positive residents of the Detroit Metro Area are predominantly men who have sex with men, African American, and ages 25-44 years old at time of diagnosis.
