New York Alumni Foundation Inc Sponsors HIV AIDS Initiative Fundraiser

May 21, 2005 -- Since the virus commonly known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) emerged in the mid-1980s, HIV/AIDS had been seen as a disease, which disproportionately and predominately affected homosexual men and intravenous drug needle users. Therefore, leaving many in the African-American community to feel unaffected and unconcerned. However, the reality can no longer be ignored. The newest victims of this deadly virus, particularly in the United States, are disproportionately people of color - young people of color.

Here are just some of the alarming facts and statistics (According to the Black AIDS Institute), which should not only raise eyebrows but also motivate our consciousness to do more:

African Americans accounted for 21,304 (49%) of the 43,171 estimated AIDS cases diagnosed in the United States (including US de pen den cies, possessions, and associated nations) [2].

- The rate of AIDS diagnoses for African Americans was almost 10 times the rate for whites and almost 3 times the rate for Hispanics. The rate of AIDS diagnoses for African American women was 25 times the rate for white women. The rate of AIDS diagnoses for African American men was 8 times the rate for white men [2].

- In the United States, 172,278 African Americans were living with AIDS. They accounted for 42% of all people in the United States living with AIDS [2].

African Americans ac count ed for 16,165 (50%) of the 32,048 es ti mat ed new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the United States in the 32 states with confi dential name-based HIV reporting [2].

- A study of people with a diagnosis of HIV infection found that 56% of late testers (that is, those who received an AIDS diagnosis within 1 year after their HIV diagnosis) were African American [4]. Late testing represents missed opportunities for preventing and treating HIV infection.

Note: source of statistics can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/facts/afam.pdf

In 2003 the New York Alumni Foundation, Inc. the philanthropic arm of the New York Alumni Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. established the Kappas Against AIDS Initiative. The mission of the KAAIDS Initiative is to highlight the unfortunate growing trend, increase awareness and responsibility designed around its motto: "Become Educated, Get Tested & Stay Protected."

Over the past two years the KAAIDS Initiative and its volunteers have participated in the NY-AIDS Walk raising an average $1500 each year, a number of public forums and incorporated curriculum into various after-school programs developed by the NYA Foundation, Inc.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO DO SOMETHING!

Despite the rhetoric of the current administration and leaders in Congress about the importance of funding AIDS prevention programs and advocacy groups, there has been a severe under-funding crisis and increased federal budget deficits are forcing the government to cut these programs even further.

Support Summer Fusion: Networking For A Cure:
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
7pm - Until
Peppermint Parlor
472 West 141st Street
Between Amsterdam & Convent Aves.
New York, NY 10031

$10 Advance

OPEN BAR & CIGAR ROOM

Benefiting the Kappas Against AIDS Initiative

Tickets/Info: 646-234-7903
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New York Alumni Foundation Inc Sponsors HIV AIDS Initiative Fundraiser

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New York Alumni Foundation Inc Sponsors HIV AIDS Initiative Fundraiser

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