News | Lifestyle
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In honor of National HIV Testing Day, NAESM, A Vision 4 Hope, B Holding Group Foundation, the Fulton County Board of Health, Here’s to Life Inc., Sister Love, Empowerment Resource Center, Someone Cares, Project HIM, POWER ATLANTA, The SHI Foundation, and Whitefoord Health Center will be hosting a free HIV testing event in Atlanta, Georgia. Sponsored by Gilead Sciences, the event will take place on Saturday, June 29 at Best Friend’s Restaurant and Lounge (2672 Godby Road) from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.
“B Holding Group Foundation and our community partners are excited to bring everyone together again this year for Unity Fest in recognition of National HIV Testing Day,” said Jason Panda, Founder and CEO of B Condoms and B Holding Group Foundation.
“Gilead Sciences is proud to sponsor this important National HIV Testing Day event with such a broad group of community-based organizations in Atlanta,” said Bettina Bauer, Vice President, US HIV Treatment and Prevention at Gilead Sciences.
Alongside free HIV testing, attendees will be provided with food, entertainment, and educational information about the importance of taking the first step toward knowing their HIV status.
“HIV testing is the only way to know one’s HIV status and a critical tool in helping to end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere, which we are constantly working toward together with the community. We will continue our robust support of community organizations serving those most impacted by HIV to help improve health equity and reduce stigma.” - Bettina Bauer
The Black community is disproportionately impacted by HIV, with Black/African-American people accounting for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses and people with HIV than compared to other races and ethnicities, likely due to racism, poverty, stigma and other socioeconomic factors. In Atlanta, the rate of Black men with HIV is more than six times that of white men, and the rate of Black women with HIV is nearly 17 times that of white women.
“There can be a lot of division in the Black community – straight, gay, bisexual, trans – and we wanted to foster an environment where everyone can be comfortable learning about health and wellness and raising awareness about HIV. We encourage everyone to come out this Saturday for free testing, entertainment, food, and a good time.” - Jason Panda