February 4, 2004

WHAT: WPEG's "Breakfast Brothas" morning show to broadcast from HIV/Syphilis testing site at the Mecklenburg County Health Department as part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day.

WHEN:  Thursday, February 5, 2004

WHERE:  Mecklenburg County Health Department's northwest campus, 2845 Beatties Ford Road. 

TIME:  WPEG broadcast is from 8:00am to 10:00am.  Counseling and testing for HIV and syphilis is from 8:00am to 4:00pm at the Health Department on Beatties Ford Road and from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Community Health Services at 1401 E. 7th Street in Charlotte.

WHY:  To promote the availability of free, confidential testing and counseling for HIV and syphilis in conjunction with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day.  The focus of this nationwide effort is to encourage African-Americans to become informed, get tested and get involved in advocacy for HIV/AIDS.

Syphilis infection increases the chances of HIV transmission two to five times. In 2002, Mecklenburg County reported 306 cases of HIV Disease (HIV infection and AIDS), an increase from a 5-year (1997-2001) low of 218 in 2000 and greater than the 5-year average of 240.

HIV-related death has the greatest impact on young and middle-aged adults, particularly those in racial and ethnic minorities. In 2001, HIV was the fifth leading cause of death for Mecklenburg County residents between the ages of 25 and 44.  For all minorities, it was the fourth leading cause of death yet did not make the top 10 for whites. The majority of new HIV cases in Mecklenburg County in 2002 were reported among African-Americans (81%). 

The Mecklenburg County Health Department offers free, confidential STD counseling and testing every day.  Call 704-432-TEST (8378) for more details.

#  #  #

Media Contact: D.C. Lucchesi at 704-432-0344 or lucchdc@co.mecklenburg.nc.us