By Eileen Buckley & Ashley Hassett
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-956998.mp3
Niagara Falls, NY – The Niagara County AIDS Task Force held a educational event Thursday for National Women and Girls HIV-AIDS Awareness day.
"New Faces, New Challenges" was hosted by the Niagara County AIDS Task Force.
As WBFO'S Eileen Buckley reports women are more likely to contract these deadly diseases then men.
"In the words of Winston Churchill, 'never, never, never give up' and I think that is my mantra for the community and individuals," said Rowe.
Reverend Jimmy Rowe is director of the Niagara County AIDS Task Force.
Rowe explained the many educational tools about HIV/AIDS that were delivered during the event.
"What in fact is HIV/AIDS? How can you contract it? How can you prevent it? We also have choices for women relative to condom use. We are going to be talking stigma and discrimination which has been a big culprit in the issue of postponing the HIV infection. And a lot of people have shielded themselves by those barriers," said Rowe.
The rate of AIDS is increasing for women over 50-years of age.
"Every 35 minutes a woman in the United States a woman tests positive for HIV. That is a frighteningly and deadly statistic, and we have to find ways in which communities, individuals, and churches can respond to that statistic," said Rowe.
HIV/AIDS screenings were also offered by the New York State Health Department.
"I just want women to know it is very important to be test," said Sower event participant Janelle Sower. Sower said regular testing is beneficial. If someone has contracted the disease, a test could actually help lower the chance the infection spreading.
"We are more susceptible to get this disease then men, and you'd be surprised how many people have it and we do realize it," said Sower.
"Get tested. Don't be afraid to get test," said Dr. Renee Cadzow. She is an assistant research professor at SUNY's Department of Family Medicine.
Dr. Cadzow discussed community and health care resource options as well as reasons for transmission of HIV/AIDS among women of color in heterosexual relationships.
"To look beyond some of the individual level factors and really understand some of the macro factors, some of the factors that are related to the structure of the community. It is the concept of structural violence where there are things built in -- institutionalized racism, de-facto segregation, the inequality of people experienced in the health care system, and things like that that really perpetuate this problem beyond what individual level factors can contribute to it," said Dr. Cadzow.
"Getting testing is a very important thing for men and women, children also. I'm just glad I have this opportunity to learn more," said Cheyenne Hodges participated in the event.
Rev. Rowe noted those who attended and stepped up to be tested truly understand the "plight" of HIV/AIDS. He noted the community must be education to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Friday night in Buffalo, the Red Cross Chapter will host "Girls Night Out--Part Two" to also raise awareness on educating women and girls about HIV-AIDS. The event will take place at the American Red Cross on Delaware Avenue.