FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jamie T. Hines
Phone: 202-630-6194
E-mail: mediainquiries.naacpdc@gmail.com
Website:
http://www.naacpdc.org/
NAACP DC AND UNITY HEALTH CARE COMMEMORATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST AIDS DIAGNOSIS IN THE U.S.
WASHINGTON, DC —The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People DC Branch (NAACP DC) and Unity Health Care will host a health summit on Saturday, June 4 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first AIDS diagnosis in the United States.
“It is thirty years later and HIV/AIDS continues to ravage the African-American community,” said NAACP DC Health Chair Sable K. Nelson. “It is important to promote prevention education, treatment adherence, and frequent testing. Being vigilant with this major health issue can begin to decrease the impact HIV/AIDS has in the District and beyond."
Nelson added that HIV/AIDS is a preventable disease. “Everyone can do their part by becoming educated and knowing their HIV status.”
NAACP DC recently joined the 10-city “Let It Rise” tour—sponsored by the national NAACP—which brings HIV/AIDS to the forefront of our communities. The health fair component of the tour also is a part of this strategic collaboration.
“Not only does one of the nation’s most celebrated cities have the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the country, but it also faces alarming rates of heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension,” said NAACP DC President Akosua Tyus. “As one of the branch’s strategic priorities, NAACP DC chooses to fight obesity through promoting overall health and wellness to overcome these other illnesses plaguing our community. This health fair is fitting for anyone who wants to learn more about leading a much healthier lifestyle.”
The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Unity Health Care facility located at 3924 Minnesota Ave. NE (near the Minnesota Avenue metro station) from 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. There will be free HIV testing, HIV/AIDS educational sessions, health exhibits, physical fitness activities, music, and food. NAACP DC anticipates attendees will walk away equipped with HIV/AIDS resources and share the information with their family and friends.
ABOUT NAACP DC HEALTH COMMITTEE:
The Health Committee implements health education initiatives that will combat the health disparities facing people of color. Under this committee, the NAACP supports universal health care for all, fights to cease the closure of hospitals in minority neighborhoods, and implements initiatives to decrease rates of HIV and AIDS. (www.naacpdc.org)
ABOUT NAACP:
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. The mission of NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic quality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. (www.naacp.org)
ABOUT UNITY HEALTH CARE:
Unity is currently the largest primary health care agency providing quality care to more than 82,000 patients in DC. It has a team of more than 850 compassionate, multicultural professionals that include medical providers, nurses, medical and dental assistants, pharmacist, counselors, and social workers.
