GMHC to Provide Free HIV Testing to Hundreds of Black Women

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Krishna Stone | 212.367.1016

New York, NY — This weekend GMHC will be offering free HIV testing and counseling to hundreds of black women attending Circle of Sisters, sponsored by WBLS-FM, WLIB-AM and Inner City Broadcasting. Circle of Sisters hosts a variety of speakers, authors, seminars, inspirational services, R&B and gospels concert in addition to vendors and companies selling unique items and services.

According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, HIV disproportionately affects black and Hispanic New Yorkers. In 2010, black and Hispanic women accounted for more than nine out of every ten women newly diagnosed with HIV in New York City. Further, black women comprise 64% of all new HIV diagnoses in women.

"Multiple economic and social factors contribute to growing rates of HIV amongst black women in particular, including sexual violence and coercion, financial dependence upon men, inability to negotiate condom use, and a lack of access to both sexual education and contraception," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GMHC.  "These profound realities compel us to educate and mobilize communities of all women and girls."

GMHC recently launched a public service campaign, "Address the Stress around the Test," noting that staff members in the David Geffen Center for HIV Testing and Health Education offer stigma-free counseling about feelings such as fear, anxiety and shame that may be connected to taking the HIV test, and that they are sensitive to the specific issues about sex, relationships and health related to women.

"This is a unique opportunity to reach hundreds of black women at the Circle of Sisters to encourage HIV testing and offer prevention materials, as well as provide resources to those who test positive," said Lynnette Ford, MSW, Director of GMHC's Geffen Center.

The Circle of Sisters Expo will take place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, Saturday, October 6th 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and Sunday, October 7th 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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About GMHC
GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS.  We provide prevention and care services to men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City.  We advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.