Mid Week Trends and Take Aways

African-American Physicians Believe Stigma Remains Significant Barrier To Routine HIV Testing

HealthHIV & National Medical Association Release Survey Findings in Recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Washington, DC – Social stigma remains a significant barrier to routine HIV testing by African-American physicians, according to data released from separate surveys conducted by HealthHIV and the National Medical Association (NMA). The Living Affected Corporation has touted that not only stigma but internalized homophobia as well as other social determinants play a critical role in testing as well. The organization supports newly released findings from the Second Annual HealthHIV State of HIV Primary Care survey which shows 63% of African American providers cite clients not wanting to be tested for HIV as the primary barrier to routine HIV testing, while 67% cited stigma as a major barrier to their patients accessing HIV care.

A recent NMA survey of African-American physicians revealed that three of the top five barriers to routine testing related to social stigma. Specifically, 57% of physicians are concerned that patients may perceive the recommendation to test as accusatory or judgmental; 48% are concerned patients would not want to be identified as HIV positive and would worry about people finding out; and 43% are concerned patients would be offended due to the stigma associated with HIV.

“These findings demonstrate that, despite educational efforts, HIV stigma keeps many African-American providers from routinely testing patients,” said HealthHIV Executive Director Brian Hujdich. “With the African-American community being disproportionately impacted by HIV, providers must implement routine HIV testing for their patients,” said HealthHIV Executive Director Brian Hujdich.

“Early detection of HIV is critical to improving health outcomes for individuals and decreasing chances of transmission; and that’s why it’s important to raise awareness of the need for annual HIV testing as part of routine blood work,” said Cedric Bright, MD, President of the NMA. "The NMA supports and encourages its primary care physicians to adopt annual HIV testing of all their patients. Together we can help make a difference in the fight against HIV."

“Through a variety of capacity building initiatives, HealthHIV is helping providers deliver better care to their patients in racial and ethnic minority communities. As leader of the AIDS Education & Training Centers National Center for HIV Care in Minority Communities, HealthHIV is helping increase access to testing and care for people of color,” said AETC NCHCMC Project Director Javier G. Salazar.

Data

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African-Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, accounting for more HIV and AIDS cases than any other racial/ethnic group in the U.S. The rate of AIDS cases per 100,000 African-American adults/adolescents was more than nine (9) times that of Caucasians in 2008. In 2008, African-American males made up 13% of the male population but accounted for 46% of diagnoses of HIV infection among males, and men who have sex with men account for the majority of cases. African-American women account for the majority of cases among women with HIV infection (67% in 2008). Also in 2008, of persons aged 13 to 24 years diagnosed with HIV infection, 64% were African-American.

HealthHIV

HealthHIV is a leading national, 501(c)(3) non-profit working with organizations, communities, and professionals to advance effective prevention, care, and support for people living with, or at risk for, HIV through education and training, technical assistance and capacity building, advocacy, and health services research and evaluation. HealthHIV leads the AIDS Education and Training Centers National Center for HIV Care in Minority Communities. For more information, please visit www.HealthHIV.org or www.NCHCMC.org.

National Medical Association

Founded in 1895, the National Medical Association is the nation’s oldest and largest medical association representing the interests of more than 50,000 African-American physicians and their patients. The National Medical Association advocates for policies that assure equitable and quality health care for all people. Visit the National Medical Association at www.nmanet.org.

Living Affected Seeks Interns and Volunteers

The Living Affected Corporation in preparation for its 2012 programming is seeking interested interns and volunteers to consider providing committed time to assistingthe organization with various projects and initiatives. Presently the organization is seeking to upgrade its data gathering procedures, web presence, fundraising, development strategies and long range planning. If you have expertise or skills in any of the following areas please contact the group at info@lacorponline.org or call us 877.902.7HIV  Additional Board of Director members are also being sought as dynamic individuals who can bring their energy and networks to assist with full filling the organizational mission of promoting holistic, positive sexual and reproductive health for all.  The immeadiate following criteria is being sought:

Assist, research, improve, create or launch:

• New Website & Hosting Service (Spring 2012)
• Press Release set-up/distribution
• Web and social media posts
• Database Management
• Newsletter Management
• Webinar Management
• Media Relations
• Advocacy and Health Networks Administration
• Membership Communications
• Marketing materials and imaging
• Data Security
• Coordinated telephone systems
• Shared Files system
• Incorporating Video technology
• Intern and Volunteer Management
• Analytics/Metrics Systems
• Software upgrades, compliance and tracking
• National Conventions press events
• Fundraising event promotion (Fall 2012)
• Conference Call Systems