National HIV Testing Day With C. Virginia Fields in Harlem

As part of the New York City Council HIV/AIDS Faith Based Initiative, the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA) joins 23 Manhattan community and faith-based organizations…… (see calendar listings below) on Saturday, June 23 for a series of events to raise awareness of the public health crisis facing communities of color in New York City and to promote education, testing, and prevention in the communities most seriously affected.

Community health fairs providing free HIV testing and health screenings, information resources, and recreational activities will be held at locations in East, West, and Central Harlem and Hamilton Heights.  C. Virginia Fields, president and CEO of NBLCA and former Manhattan Borough President, will join the Harlem HIV/AIDS Faith Walk 2012 from 10 am to 12 noon beginning at 110^th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard to walk in solidarity with the first ladies of participating houses of worship the leaders of partnering community groups. More than 300 Harlem community leaders and residents are expected to join the walk.

On Wednesday, June 27, in observance of National HIV Testing Day, NBLCA will partner with advocacy organizations and national and local elected officials to host Love and Politics II, HIV awareness-building and testing events for young professionals ages 25 to 45 in NYC and the general public in Harlem.

Key Facts*

·         There are approximately 130,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS in New York State and about 80% of them reside in New York City, higher than any other jurisdiction.

·         African Americans are approximately 25% of New York City’s total population and account for 48% of new HIV diagnoses in New York City.

·         African Americans account for 72% of new AIDS diagnoses in New York City, 71% of all persons living with HIV/AIDS (the largest number of people in the nation), and 71% of all AIDS-related deaths.

*As of 2010. Sources: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and NYS Department of Health AIDS Institute.

Wednesday, June 27 – National HIV Testing Day – “Love and Politics II”

Daytime Event

WHAT:           Free HIV testing for the general public in Harlem. Participants will receive incentives for getting tested.

WHEN:           11 AM to 4 PM

WHERE:         In front of the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building, 163 West 125^th Street (east of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.)

WHO:              NBLCA in partnership with peer youth HIV/AIDS organizations.

Evening Reception

WHAT:           Reception for young professionals 25 to 45, focused on increasing HIV awareness and strengthening leadership and advocacy. Free HIV testing. Hors d’oeuvres and complimentary drinks, gift bags and prizes from Armani, Arik Airlines, Mizani, Healing Hands, Chelsea Piers, MAC Cosmetics, Vodou Bar, Ralph Lauren, and others.

WHEN:          6:30 PM – 10:30 PM

WHERE:        Parlor, 286 Spring Street, New York, NY

WHO:              Approximately 200 young professionals in NYC business, entertainment and government; celebrity guests; elected officials, including NYC Council Members Inez Dickens and Letitia James. NBLCA President and CEO C. Virginia Fields and Athena B. Moore, NBLCA Director of Public Policy/Special Projects, will host.

Host Organizations: Young Professionals United for Change, National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA), National Action Network, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Young Physicians’ Committee of the Empire State Medical Association, Veaux Productions, bcondoms, Young Women of Color HIV/AIDS Coalition (YWCHAC), Being Latino, Human Intonation

Media Partner: WBLS Radio

Testing Partners: Community Healthcare Network (mobile) and Iris House (on site)

Honorees:

Inez Dickens - NYC Councilwoman

Letitia James - NYC Councilwoman

Melyssa Ford - Model/TV Personality/HIV/AIDS Activist

Reggie Nance - Former Director of Incite New York at Emmis Communications (Former parent company of HOT 97.1 and KISS 98.7)

Music: DJ Jon Quick