News Release
March 16, 2010
Contact information

Fourth annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day observed in Minnesota

Local free HIV testing event planned for March 19


American Indians have the third highest rate of new HIV infections (14.6 per 100,000 persons) in the U.S. according to recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Only African-Americans and Latinos have higher rates of infection. Through 2007, 3,492 American Indians have been diagnosed with AIDS and an estimated 2,281 are living with HIV/AIDS in America.

The fourth annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day will be observed nationally on Saturday, March 20, 2010 to increase awareness about the impact that HIV/AIDS has had on American Indians, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians and to work together to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. It will also be a time to reflect on those who have passed or are affected by this disease.

"We have had 200 cases of HIV infection reported among American Indians in Minnesota since the epidemic began. Unfortunately, 82 of the 200 have died," said Peter Carr, manager of the STD and HIV Section, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). "We estimate that there are 108 currently living with HIV in Minnesota and that includes those who have relocated to our state. Sixty-one of these cases are males and 47 cases are females."

American Indians have historically experienced higher rates of disparities in numerous health categories, including HIV/AIDS, than any other racial/ethnic group. Factors contributing to higher disease occurrence and lower life expectancy among American Indians include disproportionate poverty, discrimination in the delivery of health services, limited access to quality education and health care and cultural differences.

"The most important message about HIV is that it is preventable. To help prevent HIV, consider delaying the start of sexual activity and limiting sexual partners, get tested, know your HIV status and that of your partners, practice safer sex at all times, and don't share needles for drug use, piercing or tattooing," said Carr. "For those who test positive, there are some new treatments that are very beneficial. The earlier you test and act on the test results, the better your health can be and the less likely you will spread the disease to others."

The STD and HIV Section at MDH currently funds 31 community-based programs aimed at preventing the spread of HIV in adults and young people of all races who are at risk of acquiring HIV. One of these programs includes the Indigenous Peoples Task Force based in Minneapolis that has been one of the key leaders in reaching American Indian populations in Minnesota with HIV prevention efforts over the past several years.

This year, the Indigenous Peoples Task Force will host a free HIV testing event in observance of National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Friday, March 19. For event details contact the Indigenous Peoples Task Force at 612-870-1723.

For more information on National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2010, visit Colorado State University's Center for Applied Studies in American Ethnicity at http://www.happ.colostate.edu/, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona at http://www.itcaonline.com/, National Native American AIDS Prevention Center at http://www.nnaapc.org/ or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at http://www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/days/native/index.html.

Information about HIV is also available from the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) AIDSLine, 612- 373-2437 or 1-800-248-2437. MAP AIDSLine offers statewide information and referral services, including prevention education, HIV risk assessments, HIV testing and referrals to HIV testing sites, as well as community resources and prevention programs that serve American Indians.

The MDH HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report-2008, which includes data specific for American Indians, can be found on the MDH Web site at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/hiv/hivstatistics.html. The MDH Web site also provides information, fact sheets and a calendar of local activities for the observance at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/hiv/worldaidsday/nnhaad/index.html.

-MDH-

* * * * * * *
Governor's Proclamation
In a proclamation marking this year's observance, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty called for all Minnesotans to strongly support National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and to get involved with initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the American Indian communities. To see a copy of the proclamation, visit the MDH Web site at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/hiv/worldaidsday/nnhaad/index.html.

* * * * * * *
Community Event – Free and Open to the Public
A Free HIV Testing Event is being planned for Friday, March 19 by the Indigenous Peoples Task Force. This event will include same day test results. Please contact the Indigenous Peoples Task Force for more information: 612-870-1723.

For more information, contact:

Doug Schultz
MDH Communications
651-201-4993