February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Do you protect yourself 100% of the time? Are you always aware of your partner’s status? Better yet, do you know your status? Never let fear, anxiety or unknowns get in the way of being the boss of your body. Protect yourself. Be in control and be in charge, it’s your health and your life.
The content on this page has been provided by BOM Los Angeles
HIV/AIDS Does NOT Discriminate
It does and will continue to affect all communities and all types of people. African Americans and Latinos are among the most over-represented demographics among HIV positive individuals in general and in Los Angeles specifically. Approximately 11,000 people in Los Angeles are living with AIDS. In 2005 20% of AIDS cases were among white people, 27% among African Americans and rising, 51% among Latinos and rising, and 2% among Asians. More specifically, there were 6,200,000 African American men, 2,500,000 Latino men, 1,800,000 white men, and 500,000 Asian and Pacific Islander men. The prevalence among women was 1,000,000 African American, 400,000 Latino, 100,000 white and 50,000 Asian and Pacific Islander. Most commonly infected people in Los Angeles are African American and Latino men and women. Protect yourself. Protect your communities. Be the Boss of Your Body.
Ways to Contract HIV
Child Birth
If your mom is HIV+ while she is pregnant with you, you could contract the virus while you are being born. However, if your mom learns about her status early in the pregnancy, takes medication and has a c-section, it is unlikely she will pass the virus on to you.
Breastmilk
If your mom is HIV+ and she breastfeeds you, you can contract the virus through her milk. However, if she bottle feeds you formula instead, you will be protected.
Vaginal Fluids & Semen
HIV/AIDS is carried in vaginal fluids and semen, which means you can get/give HIV through unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex. Using a condom correctly during sex greatly reduces your chances of contracting any sexually transmitted diseases or infections, including HIV.
Pre-Cum
That's right! HIV is carried in pre-cum, which means it's really important to use a condom the entire time you're being sexually intimate.
Blood
HIV/AIDS is carried in blood, which means you could get it from sharing needles (e.g. shooting up or tattoos).
If your mom is HIV+ while she is pregnant with you, you could contract the virus while you are being born. However, if your mom learns about her status early in the pregnancy, takes medication and has a c-section, it is unlikely she will pass the virus on to you.
Breastmilk
If your mom is HIV+ and she breastfeeds you, you can contract the virus through her milk. However, if she bottle feeds you formula instead, you will be protected.
Vaginal Fluids & Semen
HIV/AIDS is carried in vaginal fluids and semen, which means you can get/give HIV through unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex. Using a condom correctly during sex greatly reduces your chances of contracting any sexually transmitted diseases or infections, including HIV.
Pre-Cum
That's right! HIV is carried in pre-cum, which means it's really important to use a condom the entire time you're being sexually intimate.
Blood
HIV/AIDS is carried in blood, which means you could get it from sharing needles (e.g. shooting up or tattoos).
Health Centers Near You
Stay informed get involved and use the support systems near you!
If you're in the Los Angeles Area...
Support and Health Centers
http://www.reachla.org
publichealth.lacounty.gov/std/youth.htm
http://www.worlded.org
www.teensource.org
www.aidspreventionlausd.net/community_partners.html
www.bienestar.org/eng/page/114/LGBT-Youth.html
www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/states/locals/ca-losangeles.htm
www.laglc.org
Testing Sites
www.hivla.org/
www.aidshealth.org/public-health/hiv-testing-locations.html
www.plannedparenthood.org/los-angeles
www.apla.org
www.women-alive.org/
www.blackaids.org
If you're in the Bay Area...
http://www.apeb.org/
http://www.downtownyouth.org/
http://www.eastbayaids.org/
http://www.harmreduction.org/downloads/SXWK_CAL%20PEP%20brochure.pdf
If you're somewhere else...
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/findCenter.asp
If you're in the Los Angeles Area...
Support and Health Centers
http://www.reachla.org
publichealth.lacounty.gov/std/youth.htm
http://www.worlded.org
www.teensource.org
www.aidspreventionlausd.net/community_partners.html
www.bienestar.org/eng/page/114/LGBT-Youth.html
www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/states/locals/ca-losangeles.htm
www.laglc.org
Testing Sites
www.hivla.org/
www.aidshealth.org/public-health/hiv-testing-locations.html
www.plannedparenthood.org/los-angeles
www.apla.org
www.women-alive.org/
www.blackaids.org
If you're in the Bay Area...
http://www.apeb.org/
http://www.downtownyouth.org/
http://www.eastbayaids.org/
http://www.harmreduction.org/downloads/SXWK_CAL%20PEP%20brochure.pdf
If you're somewhere else...
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/findCenter.asp
