Published: November 06, 2009 12:06 am      

Health officials urge blacks to be tested for AIDS

INDIANAPOLIS — State officials are urging black residents and other minorities to learn more about HIV and AIDS and get tested for the virus.

The state Department of Health, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and the Indiana Minority Health Coalition are holding a Statewide HIV Awareness Program Thursday in Indianapolis.

State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe says African-Americans are diagnosed with HIV at an alarming rate. She says blacks and other minority residents must realize they have the power to prevent the spread of the diseases.

In 2008, Indiana had 513 newly reported cases of HIV and AIDS. Nearly 42 percent of those new diagnoses were among black residents, who make up less than 10 percent of the state’s population.