February 7th is recognized as National Black HIV AIDS Awareness Day. This year AIDS Free Pittsburgh (AFP) supported partner organizations with two events over two days.
The first event was held on the evening of February 6 at 1Hood Media with Allies for Health and Wellbeing providing HIV and STI testing, and the second event was hosted by TransYouniting at the QMNTY Center on February 7 with Macedonia FACE and AHN Positive Health Clinic providing HIV and STI testing. Other partners and sponsors for this event series included Hugh Lane Wellness, Gilead, Highmark Health, UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh. There were over 100 attendees across the two events.
The first event included a town hall and panel discussion. The second event included testimonials from individuals impacted by HIV and a performance by local singer Ayanna Sade. Pittsburgh City Council Member Khari Mosley read the city-wide proclamation to bring more awareness to the HIV epidemic, services available for communities and individuals impacted by HIV, and to recognize February 7th as Black HIV Awareness Day in the City.
At both events, partners recognized the disparities in care and outcomes for Black people in comparison to their white counterparts and health disparities that exist for men, women, and individuals of trans experience. The testing agencies reported that a total of 25 people opted for HIV and STI screening over the two-day event series.Event hosts and partners recognize the need to continue to center Black people, especially men who have sex with men and transgender women, in conversations and efforts to end the HIV epidemic.