The Shelby County Health Department noted that HIV "disproportionately" affects African-Americans, particularly in the Mid-South, citing data that shows 85% of the Black population in the region were diagnosed with HIV in 2021.
The first National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was observed in 1999 with the intent of acknowledging progress made in prevention and reducing the stigma behind HIV/AIDS.
February is Black History Month, and Johnson City residents will have multiple opportunities to learn more about the contributions of Black Americans at the local and national levels.