AIDS

The issue of HIV/AIDS has been a developing concern since the early 1980’s. It is an issue that has sparked fear in everyone, but “society” has narrowed it down to certain people who can contract the AIDS virus. The typical “AIDS” victim is not an IV drug user or a practicing homosexual; they are African Americans, and minority women. AIDS is spread in many ways, such as having unprotected sex, sharing needles, from mothers to infants during pregnancy, and getting tattoos with dirty needles. Some of the most common questions is “How is HIV/AIDS passed from one person to another? How effective are latex condoms in preventing HIV/AIDS?” Although these are questions of concern, the real and most controversial question is “Is the United States doing an effective job in educating people, especially African Americans and minority women, about HIV/AIDS?” This is a question with many opposing viewpoints. While some people, believe that the United States is doing an effective job in educating people on HIV/AIDS; there are others who believe that they are not doing an effective job. I believe that the United States is doing a good job, but at the same time they are not doing a well enough job. Whether people are being educated or not depends more on if they are taking the time to actually research and get information on the HIV/AIDS virus, rather than people coming to give them information. There are many ways to get information, such as online websites, magazine articles, the library, health clinics, hospitals etc. Everything one would need to know is out there, but it is up to that person on how important it is to obtain this knowledge. As people seek to be educated on AIDS, the United States should take those same steps to get more information to more people within its fifty states.

First, I believe that the United States is doing an effective job in educating African Americans and minorities about the HIV/AIDS virus. As previously stated, whether people are being educated or not depends more on if they are taking the time to actually research and get information on the HIV/AIDS virus rather than expect people to come and give them information. I think that the national campaign on AIDS awareness is pretty good right now. I believe that America is trying different strategies to give information about protection. There are many programs out there that are ready and willing to give information about the HIV/AIDS virus. One program that has proven to be effective is the American Red Cross (AMC). The American Red Cross teaches young people, as well as adults, facts about AIDS. Their basic HIV/AIDS Program helps people take steps to prevent the spread of HIV. They also provide the opportunity to openly discuss the facts about HIV and AIDS and personalize the facts so they become more meaningful. It's a good way to encourage people to adopt prevention behaviors to protect themselves and others from HIV. They help people develop and practice skills that they can use in real life situations to protect themselves and others from HIV. Red Cross-trained instructors can conduct sessions of the Basic HIV/AIDS Program in different communities. They also have blood drives to donate blood to those in need, whether they have AIDS or any other health disability.  The HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service offers toll free phone lines that provide the latest research and treatment information. The CDC (Center of Disease Control) targets prevention efforts for young people through its public information education campaigns. These programs include a number of activities designed to educate all members of the public, including adolescents, about how HIV is transmitted, who is at risk for acquiring the infection, and how the infection can be prevented. The programs include a national public information campaign, the CDC National AIDS Hotline, and the AIDS Clearinghouse. CDC funds HIV prevention activities by more than 500 community-based organizations. These efforts include street outreach; clinic-based education; counseling, testing, and referral programs; and programs that address the specific needs of runaway, incarcerated, migrant, homeless, and other youth in high-risk situations. Recent data indicates that street outreach activities are useful in providing HIV prevention messages and interventions to populations at high risk of infection, including youth. The FCA (Foundation for Children with AIDS) provides an outreach program for prevention education, case finding, and family support services.  Services include day care for HIV-infected infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers and their siblings, or the uninfected children of HIV-infected parents; support groups; case management; early intervention services; and transportation to and from day care.

Black Entertainment Television (BET) advertises a national campaign called Rap-it-up. Their hotline, 1-888-rapitup, offers information about AIDS, counseling, different programs in communities, free HIV testing centers, and ways of protection and prevention. BET has a television show called Teen Summit, which talks about everyday situations, and diseases such as AIDS. This show reaches many teens throughout the United States. All of these programs have been proven to be effective in the fight against AIDS and getting the information about AIDS out and in the open. Some citizens are not taking advantage of all of the sources and programs that the United States has to offer.  People have to want to receive the information. No one will just give them the information; they must go out and get it.

On the other hand, I believe that the United States is not doing an effective job in educating African Americans and minorities about the HIV/AIDS virus. Although the national AIDS campaign in the United States reaches many people, there are still millions of people who are not receiving the information. Not everyone owns a computer or has Internet access to research the disease.  Not everyone has a library or free clinic to receive the information in his/her community. I believe that the campaigns are not reaching the people who need the information the most. It seems that in the states up north, such as Minnesota, New York, or Indiana, the information on AIDS is seen on a daily basis. Periodically, you may see a billboard or hear the two commercials (the one were the couple are saying goodnight to everyone they ever slept with as well as the ignorant Black boy who curses and brags that AIDS doesn't have anything on him b/c he is so good sexually and dies) promoting AIDS awareness in the south.  I think America may do a better job promoting AIDS awareness if they begin distributing literature and condoms in predominantly Black and minority neighborhoods; if they began sex education classes in the public schools; and, established local/community programs promoting abstinence and safe sex through the effective use of other birth control methods.  I believe all individuals receiving government assistance (WIC, food stamps etc.) should be mandated to attend AIDS awareness classes to help promote abstinence and safe sex, as well as alleviate unwanted pregnancies. All of the programs nationwide need to improve on effectively giving information to citizens in the United States. I believe that the American Red Cross (AMC), Center of Disease Control (CDC), Foundation for Children with AIDS (FCA), and Black Entertainment Television (BET) all need to improve some way or another. Ways that these programs can improve is by opening more free clinics; create more commercials that advertise ways for people to protect themselves from AIDS. I believe that each program should hold counseling sessions and outreach programs every weekend. Every month, the American Red Cross, Center of Disease Control, and the Foundation for Children with AIDS, should go to Black and minority neighborhoods to pass out pamphlets giving information on AIDS. As for Black Entertainment Television, they should show more commercials advertising the Rap-It-Up campaign and its hotlines.  When they air the show Teen Summit, they should have more guests who come to talk about the importance of knowing about the HIV/AIDS virus.

As previously stated, I believe that the United States is doing an effective job in educating African Americans and minorities about the HIV/AIDS virus, but at the same time, they are not doing a well enough job. This is a controversial issue. The United States is getting the information to upper and middle class people, but they are neglecting those with low income and poor living conditions.  I truly acknowledge the fact that there is an abundant amount of information, clinics, commercials, and pamphlets about the HIV/AIDS virus, but if one is unable to receive that information, then there is not enough. It is time for everyone to step up to the plate and take responsibility for themselves; for parents to take responsibility for their children; and for people to help each other. It is also time for pastors to speak up and let the members of their churches hear about AIDS. Its time for the president to speak to the people of the country and explain the importance of this deadly disease. If you know someone who is unable to receive information on AIDS, and you have information, get that information to that person. We need to empower our young mothers to raise conscious daughters that won't let themselves fall into the trap of self-exploitation. Then we need make our men stand up and respect women on a level that would make us all proud. We all are responsible for the sexual issues of today. We must unite as a nation and work together so that “we” can slow down and prevent the spread of this deadly killer.