Women And Girls Taking Action Against HIV/AIDS
PITTSBURGH, PA - In observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS Inc., and Urban Youth Action Inc., present Women and Girls are Taking Action in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS with “ALL OF US,” a documentary about women and HIV/AIDS. The date is Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 5:00 PM at Community College of Allegheny County’s Tom Forester Student Union.
HIV/AIDS is a serious public health issue affecting nearly 280,000 women in the United States. While men account for most HIV/AIDS cases, the impact on women is growing. In addition, research shows that, when compared to men, women face gaps in access and care.
According to Graham, this national observance calls attention to the facts about women and girls and HIV/AIDS:
· The onset of puberty is occurring much earlier for many girls;
· One in four American girls has a sexually transmitted disease;
· Girls represents 51percent of the 15-19 year olds infected with HIV, and 65 percent of these girls are African American;
· AIDS is the leading cause of death among black women ages 25-34; and
· Every 35 minutes a woman tests positive for HIV in the United States.
“National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which is observed on March 10 every year, is a observance that encourages people to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS and raise awareness of its impact on women and girls,” says Graham. “It is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health.”
The event helps organizations across the country come together to offer support, encourage discussion, and teach women and girls about prevention of HIV, the importance of getting tested for HIV, and how to live with and manage HIV/AIDS.
Background information
Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. The mission of Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS, Inc is to promote and advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention education for pre-teens, teens, and young adults through collaboration with communities, schools, and houses of worship. ETAH is committed to a comprehensive approach that addresses all facets of the youth experience.
Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS, Inc. is grounded in the philosophy that when we educate our teens we are securing a healthy future. Today’s teens are tomorrow’s workforce, leaders, and decision makers. The investment in teenagers today is an investment in our quality of life for the future. Acknowledging that risky behaviors do not happen in isolation, ETAH uses a comprehensive approach that addresses self-esteem, peer pressure, alcohol and drug use, abusive relationships, economics, health, and other issues that affect youth. ETAH takes into consideration the social and cultural experiences of youth. ETAH provides prevention education, while empowering youth to make informed decisions about their health and well-being so that they can protect themselves and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
