AIDS Walk... Why?

It's been a long while since I've last blogged. And now, I blog for a good cause, please continue reading...

As most of you know, I am walking in AIDS Walk Houston this coming March. A lot of people don't know why I have decided to take part, and I think it's about time that I explain.

There are a few different reasons why I have decided to take part.

First, my family. There have been a few of my family members diagnosed with HIV. Some have been living with it for years, while others were diagnosed very recently. I've watched them throughout doctor's appointments and struggles and watched them make this disease their bitch. It's a marvelous thing, to see a family member find out that their disease is now undetectable. I want that for other people. The joy of receiving that phone call or the happiness of seeing that status update on social media. I want to bring awareness so that more families get these calls, or more folks see these uplifting posts online.

Second, the Lazarus House. It's hard for me to explain, but I feel very drawn to these people. They are good folks, the best in my opinion. They truly care for their clients and community. They provide a safe space and motivation for folks suffering from cachexia or disease related muscle loss. Cachexia is the devastating cycle of malnutrition and muscle wasting that accompanies numerous chronic illnesses like cancer, HIV/AIDS, lupus, muscular dystrophy, and even situations like spinal cord trauma. If you'd like to find out more about The Lazarus House and the amazing work that they do, please follow this link.

And third, there is a stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and people think that it's not as bad as it used to be, or it's so treatable that we no longer need to bring awareness to it. That stigma is wrong. Here are just a few stats about HIV/AIDS...

United States Statistics:

• There are 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States. One in five are unaware of their infection
• Every 9 ½ minutes someone is infected with HIV in the U.S.
• African Americans make up only 13.6% of the U.S. population, yet account for 52% of all new HIV/AIDS cases and 44% of new infections
• Young gay and bisexual black men are the most severely affected subpopulation for HIV infection 

Local (Houston/Harris County area) Statistics:

• HIV / AIDS in Houston/Harris County
• Estimated Houston/Harris County population as of 2015: 4,538,0281
• Estimated number of Houston/Harris County residents newly diagnosed in 2014: 11,842
• Number of African Americans diagnosed in 2014 for every white person diagnosed: 4.52
• Number of African American women diagnosed in 2014 for every white woman diagnosed: 21.12
• Percentage of African Americans women among newly diagnosed area women in 2014: 622
• Percentage of residents living with HIV in 2014 who acquired it through MSM exposure: 54.12
• Number of MSM residents who were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2014: > 8002
• Age group of Houston/Harris County residents with the most new HIV cases: 15-342
• Number of 15-24 year old African Americans newly diagnosed in 2014 for every white: 7.62
• Age group of Houston/Harris County women with the most new HIV cases: 35-442
• Number of male residents newly diagnosed in 2014 for every female diagnosed: 3.72
• Percentage of Houston/Harris County residents living below the Federal Poverty Level: 17.42
• Percentage of residents (all races) who do not have health insurance: 222
• Percentage of those newly diagnosed who progress to AIDS with one year: 26.22
• Number of new AIDS diagnoses in Houston/Harris County in 2014: 577
  
  

With a disease that is so preventable, these numbers are astounding. Especially when you think about them. You are going out to eat with 5 of your closest friends, according to these stats, one of you could be infected with HIV and not even know about it! We need more access to testing. We need accessible information. We need to educate about HIV/AIDS and safe sex practices. We need to encourage conversations to prevent ignorance about something so important. HIV/AIDS research has come a million miles since it was first diagnosed, however there are million more miles to go!

If you would like to help out, please consider making a small donation in my name. No amount is too small! Your support is appreciated! If you've made it this far on my post, please consider following the link below and making a donation! Thank you!

My AIDSWalk Donation Page

Lazarus House AIDSWalk Donation Page

AIDSWalk Home Page

#TEAMLAZARUSHOUSE 

Sources:
1 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/48201,00 Retrieved August 29, 2016.
2 Houston Health Department, HIV Surveillance Program. HIV Infection in Houston: An
Epidemiologic Profile 2010-2014. Houston, Texas; 2015.