Charleston Post and Courier Examines HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Southern United States
The Charleston Post and Courier yesterday in its "Health & Science" section included three articles examining the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the South, especially its affect on the black community. The following is a brief summary of each of the articles:
- "In the shadow of AIDS": The article profiles Mr. Whaley, an HIV-positive man "whose positive attitude" energizes him to educate others about the disease. Whaley, who is an American Red Cross certified HIV/AIDS peer educator, volunteers for Lowcountry AIDS Services (Minis, Charleston Post and Courier, 6/23).
- "Black community especially hard hit by HIV/AIDS": The rising rate of new HIV infections among blacks, especially in the South, is a "cause for concern," health officials say. Lynda Kettinger, director of the STD/HIV division of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, said that about 75% of the HIV/AIDS cases in the state are among blacks. "When it comes to HIV and AIDS, the picture is bleak for blacks nationwide, but nowhere as bleak as in the South," according to the Post and Courier (Minis, Charleston Post and Courier, 6/23).
- "Salons, churches reach out to educate": The article profiles several beauty and barber shops that participate in the "Heads Up for Shop Talk" HIV/AIDS prevention program. Stylists and barbers provide literature and free condoms to customers, and as the program grows, they could become certified HIV/AIDS educators, the Post and Courier reports (Minis, Charleston Post and Courier, 6/23).