* Hispanics form approximately 28 percent of the population in Arizona
but 20 percent of the HIV/AIDS cases.
* Blacks, while constituting less than four percent of the state's
population, represent 12 percent of the HIV/AIDS cases.
* Native Americans represent five percent of those infected in Arizona.
* Men having sex with other men of all races represent 70 percent of
HIV/AIDS cases.
* Intravenous drug users represent 15 percent of HIV/AIDS cases.
"Many people view HIV/AIDS as a gay man's disease, however the face of HIV/AIDS is changing," said Mark Howard, board chair for Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. "This is not a disease that discriminates, it can affect anyone and we understand the changing needs of the communities we serve. Our particular concern is the careless attitude toward the disease among youth. Many believe that a simple pill can be taken to combat this disease and are unaware of the devastating side affects the medication causes. Prevention is critical as we battle to educate our most important audiences, our youth."
According to ADHS, 490 people will be infected in the next hour. Worldwide, 14,400 people are newly infected each and every day and fighting this disease becomes a devastating reality.
"It is the goal of the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS to bring this destructive epidemic back to the forefront through education and awareness," added Poore. "We want to be on the front lines of preventing this disease from spreading."
The Southwest Center for HIV
'/>"/>
| SOURCE Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS Copyright©2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |