AIDS Epidemic Forum

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Douglas-Carroll-Paulding Counties Alumnae Chapter) will host a forum on the AIDS Epidemic on Monday, January 20, 2014/ National Holiday of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.’s Birthday.

Experts in AIDS Research, Infectious Disease Research, Psychological Effects of Disease and AIDS Testing will present information to community members and answer questions from the audience. The expert panelists have served our community members at Emory University, Tanner Hospital, West Care and Sister Love.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

 More than 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV infection, and almost 1 in 6 (15.8%) are unaware of their infection.
 Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, particularly young black/African American MSM (‘men who have sex with men’), are most seriously affected by HIV.
 By race, blacks/African Americans face the most severe burden of HIV
 Blacks represent approximately 12% of the U.S. population, but accounted for an estimated 44% of new HIV infections in 2010. They also accounted for 44% of people living with HIV infection in 2009.
Chapter President, Gean L. Beasley stated, “It is necessary that we address this devastating epidemic, prevention information, testing options and the effects of this disease on our community. We have a responsibility to present this information to decrease the number of new HIV/ AIDS cases and increase the number of community members who are tested and practice prevention measures.”

The AIDS Forum will be held on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 2pm at New Manchester High School located at 4925 Hwy. 92/166 Douglasville, Georgia 30135. This event is FREE & open to the public.

Media outlets are invited to capture this important and necessary service act.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need. This year Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated celebrates 101 years of service.

Contact: Cheryl Ann Frazier SocialAction@dcpdst.com