This Sunday, like many other AIDS service organizations, HOPE Inc. (Helping Others in a Positive Environment Inc.) will appeal to Black communities throughout the United States to know their HIV status. Over the past 29 years, HIV has had a devastating impact on Black communities throughout the world. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean are two of the hardest hit areas.
According to national statistics, the U.S. Virgin Islands has the second highest per capita rate for AIDS and third highest per capita rate for HIV in the United States. Mixed with being a Caribbean U.S. territory, the risk determinants for HIV transmission are overwhelming. The only known way to combat HIV is to get tested, to get educated and to get involved.
๏ท Get tested (Know Your Status):
o If you test negative protect your negative status by practicing abstinence, being faithful or using condoms all the time.
o If you test positive, get medical treatment and prevent the transmission of HIV by protecting yourself.
๏ท Get educated:
o Prevent risky activities that place you and others at risk for contracting and transmitting the HIV virus by learning the facts about HIV.
๏ท Get involved:
o Volunteer at HIV service agencies
o Spread the word about the prevention of HIV and the importance of everyone knowing their HIV status.
This Sunday and Monday, HOPE will begin what it hopes to be a long-standing event coordination to combat the HIV disease in the USVI. It will provide information, HIV prevention materials and HIV testing services throughout the St. Thomas-St. John District. Join HOPE in recommitting ourselves to providing in-depth HIV prevention work.
For more information, call HOPE Inc. at 777-1611 or e-mail info@hopeincvi.org.
