Charlotte, NC – On Wednesday, February 7, the Mecklenburg County Health Department, along with local community-based organizations will recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day.

The day is set aside each year to help raise awareness among African-Americans about HIV and AIDS and its continued devastating effect on African-American communities. Free walk-in, no appointment HIV testing will be available on that day to encourage citizens to become more educated about the disease, get tested and treated, and make a commitment to fight HIV/AIDS.

• 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mecklenburg County Health Department NW, 2845 Beatties Ford Road
  
• 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Mobile testing at the Coffee Cup restaurant, 914 South Clarkson Street

There will also be an event on February 7 at 7 p.m. at the Statesville Road Presbyterian Church, 3455 Nevin Road.

In the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be a health crisis for African-Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2002, HIV/AIDS was among the top 3 causes of death for African-American males aged 25-54 and among the top 4 causes of death for African-American women in the same age group. It was also the number one cause of death among African-American women aged 25-34 years.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department joins with Project M.U.S.E., Metrolina AIDS Project, the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, the Regional HIV/AIDS Consortium and the Jemsek Charm Project in sponsoring these events.

For more information about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day, contact Brian Witt at 704-336-7217 or visit our web site at www.meckhealth.org.