HIV: Social and Environmental Factors

HIV: Social and Environmental Factors

This program is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In communities all across the United States, social and environmental factors often put African Americans at greater risk for HIV. Discrimination, stigma related to HIV, and negative attitudes towards gay people are far too common in all communities, and especially in our black communities, and may prevent many individuals from seeking HIV testing, treatment, and support.

African Americans also face greater risk of getting HIV each time they have sex, because rates of HIV are already high in black communities. And higher levels of sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, found in some black communities can put African Americans at greater risk of getting HIV.

We must confront these complex social and environmental conditions that help fuel the HIV epidemic in African American communities. One important step is to ensure that African Americans be tested for HIV and other STDs to protect their health and the health of their partners. To find a testing center near you, go to www.cdc.gov.

For the most accurate health information, visit www.HIVTest.org or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.