African Americans make up 14% of the U.S population. The number one cause of death in African Americans in both males and females is HIV/AIDS. Those that are affected by this life taking disease are in the age range of 22 to 45. In a study of young gay men, African American’s accounted for 30% of those who are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus.

Our nation’s government has spent millions of dollars for care, prevention and treatments for the past 20 years. Many people, not only the black community, but also others are under the impression that AIDS only effects those in the gay community or those who misuse drugs. This misconception ended when children and those outside of the homosexual community became part of the AIDS death toll.

Many blacks that have the disease die alone and often do not seek care with the fear that their families and neighbors will find out their secret and no longer think of them the same way. The church plays a big role in stereotyping those with the HIV/AIDS virus blaming them for being immoral and sinners

For Black adults aged 25 to 44 in the U.S., AIDS is the number one cause of death.

The Black population in North Carolina has had an increase in health status, even though they endure higher death rates from all major causes of illness. These causes include asthma, diabetes, major infectious diseases, and cancer. African Americans often receive a lesser quanity and quality of health care due to their economic status and educational level, not to mention race and discrimination that are all major influences in their care and in turn their health.

The African American gay men living in urban areas, 1 in 3 is HIV positive.

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