Alarming Statistics on HIV/AIDS Infections in Escambia County

The Black Community Locally, According to WUWF, is over-represented with cases of HIV/AIDS.  According to WebMD, the highest risk behaviors that lead to such infections are unprotected male homosexual sex, unprotected sex with multiple partners, and intravenous drug abuse.

 

Overshadowed by the conclusion of the interstate murder spree of Billy Boyette  yesterday, as well as Tornados wrecking areas West of us--was a very interesting and heartbreaking story on WUWF about HIV/AIDS infection rates locally.

February is Black History Month, and February 7th is Black HIV/AIDS awareness day.

In this very alarming radio piece--some sobering statistics were given:

In the four-county area (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties)--just over 2,000 persons are currently infected with HIV/AIDS.  Of this total, 65% of these cases are in Escambia County.

Sadly, the Black community is over-represented in this category of persons afflicted with HIV--in fact the guest on the show stated "It is still an epidemic" in the Black community.

Blacks make up just 15% of Florida's population--yet Blacks account for 50% of the AIDS Infections statewide, according to this program.

Escambia County's Black Population is about 23%--yet Blacks account for more than 50% of the HIV/AIDS cases in Escambia County according to the WUWF piece.

Interestingly, not much was discussed during the program as to the "why" Blacks appear to be overrepresented in this category.  The guest on the show stated that many people purposely do not get tested for HIV/AIDS because they "Don't want to know their status."  Many agencies offer free and confidential screening for this disease--yet those at high risk continue to avoid being tested.

So why this overrepresentation that acutely affects the Black Community?  Could the reason be the