NEWS
Condom Use Higher Among Blacks Than Other Groups, but Not Enough to Beat HIV
The Indiana University National Sex Study is the latest national survey to refute the theory that high HIV rates among African-Americans result from riskier behavior. This study shows that in fact, African-Americans are more likely than other ethnic groups to use condoms, as well as the most likely to be tested for HIV. And condom-use rates among Black teenagers were the highest of any demographic--an incredible 92 percent for males and 100 percent for females the last time they engaged in sex.
"I like to think some of this is demonstrative of a public health success," says Michael Reece, Ph.D., M.P.H., the director of the Indiana University Center for Sexual Health Promotion, and an author of the study. "After a decade of education, youth are getting the message. And people are finding condoms at diverse venues. Maybe we've had a breakthrough in public health."
Read more: Condom Use Higher Among Blacks Than Other Groups, but Not Enough To Beat HIV
IN THIS ISSUE
Condoms, Healthcare Reform and HIV Scapegoats
With HIV and STDs both epidemic in Black America, condoms provide an essential line of defense that can both protect our health and save our lives. In this issue writer Diana Scholl delves into the data from the Indiana University national sex study to uncover the story about Black people's condom use and what it portends for the spread of HIV/AIDS.
EVENT
The Magic Johnson Foundation and the Black AIDS Institute to Honor President Bill Clinton and others
The Magic Johnson Foundation and the Black AIDS Institute will honor President Bill Clinton and others at the 10th Annual Heroes in the Struggle Gala Reception, Silent Auction and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 (World AIDS Day) at the Avalon Hollywood.
EVENT
Arkansas>AIDS HIV Testing Tour
November 11-13, 2010
The Arkansas Minority AIDS Commission and the Black AIDS Institute have partnered to present the Arkansas>AIDS HIV Testing Tour. The tour will kick-off on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at the State Fairgrounds in Texarkana, Arkansas. Free HIV Testing will be available throughout the tour which runs until November 13th and stops in McGehee, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and El Dorado, Arkansas. Celebrity advocate KiKi Shepard of “Showtime at the Apollo” fame will appear on the tour along with AIDS activist and National Slam Poetry champion Sonya Renee who will perform original spoken word in each city. As part of the Greater Than AIDS campaign, a national media and mobilization initiative managed by the Black AIDS Institute and the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Arkansas tour will call Black leaders to action and engage Black individuals and institutions in a community-wide effort to end the AIDS epidemic.
NEWS
With Newly-Elected Governors, GOP Gains Clout To Fight Health Reform Law
Reprinted from Kaiser Health News
By Julie Appleby and Mary Agnes Carey
Kansas Governor-Elect Sam Brownback
The Democrats' ambitious health care overhaul is facing roadblocks from newly elected state officials who harshly criticized it while campaigning and who are now in a position to make good on their promises.
In at least 10 states, including Kansas, Tennessee and Oklahoma, Republicans replaced Democrats in governors' mansions. The GOP also picked up seats in legislatures in many states. In the four races for state insurance commissioner, two went to candidates opposed to the law, while voters in California picked a Democrat in favor of it. One incumbent ran unchallenged.
Read more: With Newly-Elected Governors, GOP Gains Clout To Fight Health Reform Law