DELTA PHI UPSILON FRATERNITY INCORPORATED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Darryl Wilson, Jr. Executive Director Office: 713-800-0802 Cell: 832-654-3605 execdir@dphiu.org Email: DELTA PHI UPSILON FRATERNITY MARKS 11TH ANNUAL NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY WITH CALL TO ACTION
Houston, TX – 2/7/11 – This year marks the 30th anniversary of AIDS in America, yet statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), report that more than 230,000 African Americans have died as a result of this epidemic. Although African Americans make up only 13% of the US population, we account for almost half (49%) of those infected with HIV/AIDS. Today, February 7, marks the 11th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. As part of our service mission to address the health concerns of people of color, Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity, its chapters and members join service organizations across the country in promoting actions and initiatives that Help Encourage Awareness and Responsibility Today. In the 30 years since the HIV/AIDS epidemic emerged, Black communities have been hit hardest. According to the CDC, Black women are diagnosed with HIV 19 times more often than White women, and Black gay and bisexual men, ages 13-29, represent more than 25 percent of new infections. In light of these astounding figures, one of Delta Phi Upsilon’s top priorities is providing awareness and testing opportunities through its affiliation with The Black AIDS Institute’s Test 1 Million program and Greater Than Campaign. Delta Phi Upsilon issues a call to action to its members, chapters and constituents to take one of four types of decisive action to help prevent the spread of this devastating disease in our community. Get Educated: Knowledge>Ignorance. Knowing all the facts about HIV/AIDS will help eliminate the stigma associated with the disease, which is a source of the resistance many Black people have about getting tested and treated. To end this epidemic, we need everyone to be educated with the facts about HIV/AIDS. You can start by downloading a copy of “HIV & Me: An AfricanAmerican Guide to Living with HIV". You can also read Deciding Moment: 2011 State of AIDS in Black America, a report released by The Black AIDS Institute. Get Tested: Knowing>Doubt. One in four people living with HIV don’t know that they are infected. Knowing your status is another important step in ending this epidemic. Today, there are thousands of sites offering free HIV testing. CLICK HERE to find one in your community. Get Treated: Life>Death. With the recent advances in HIV medicine, treatment options are allowing many HIV positive people to live a normal life span. If you are positive, please stay informed about treatment options and work with your health-care providers to find the treatment that works best for you. A great resource for information on living a healthy life with HIV is www.thebody.com. Get Involved: Inspired>Complacency. Today, there are several community events happening around the country that will allow you to make an impact. Visit www.blackaidsday.org to get involved.
Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity, Incorporated (DPhiU) is a national service organization that was founded on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL in 1985. It is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by gay men of color. It is comprised of 300+ members in city chapters in five regions across the United States. Its membership includes gay men who exemplify its motto of “Service to our Kind,” through academic excellence, certified leadership skills, and who are consistently involved in creating change in the global community through the programs of service embodied in the fraternity’s national program goals. Through its core mission, Delta Phi Upsilon has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for its members and those it serves. The organization is led by its 5th National President Larrel A. Green of Houston, TX, whose administration's programmatic theme is “The H.E.A.R.T. of Delta Phi Upsilon.” For more information about Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity, Inc., log on to www.dphiu.org.
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