During the 1980's when it seemed many more people and organizations focused on HIV/AIDS and its prevention -- the federal government was spending millions on research, awareness programs for youth, and community centers that helped educate those fighting the disease. One could walk into any high school in the U.S. and find a seminar in session where students were being given basic facts about the virus such as its causes, preventive measures, and the reality that it could no longer be considered a homosexual or drug addict's disease.

Since that time, a sustained focus in the African-American community on the importance of fighting the disease has softened. The media induced idea that homosexual or "down-low" men are the driving source behind the disease, fails to address other sources of the epidemic and totally overlooks how it affects children.

African-American communities must take steps to remain vigilant in combating stereotypes and find additional ways to educate those in affected areas. With so much of our music, advertisements and television programming aimed at Black youth -- we are socially obligated to teach them about the risks of pre-marital sex and provide resources that help promote the prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STD's).

In early March 2008, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt announced the distribution of $550 million in grants to fund primary care and support services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS in 56 cities and major urban areas.

Of the cities selected to receive funds, most have large African-American populations -- where HIV/AIDS has been most troublesome. According to the CDC, even though Blacks (including African Americans) account for about 13% of the US population -- they account for about half (49%) of the people who get HIV and AIDS.

HIV/AIDS affects Black children the most. In 2005, 104 (63%) of the 166 children under the age of 13 diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 33 states were Black. The HHS funds designated for cities with a high concentration of HIV/AIDS cases will play a critical role in supporting primary care initiatives and services.

"Historically, Part A grants target care and services to major urban areas with the highest concentration of HIV/AIDS cases,” said HRSA Administrator Elizabeth Duke. “But these funds also enable us to direct essential services such as counseling and testing to emerging areas to help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS."

Some cities with large Black populations receiving the grants include Atlanta, Baltimore, Detroit, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

According to the CDC fact sheet HIV/AIDS among African Americans, Blacks who are at higher risk for HIV are those:

• who are unaware of their partner's risk factors
• with other STDs (which affect more blacks than any other racial or ethnic group)
• who live in poverty (which is about one quarter [25%] of all blacks)

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