African American Women and HIV/AIDS Wynette Collins HIV/STD Minority Coordinator Columbus Health Department June 2005

Columbus Health Department Franklin County, Ohio Total Population: 1,068,978 Gender:519,283 males (48.6%) 549,695 females (51.4%) Race:191,196 African American (17.9%) 806,851 White (75.5%) 10,992 Hispanic (1%) 32,250 Asian/Pacific Islander (3.1%) 2,899 Native American/Alaskan Native (0.3%) 23,790 two or more races ( 2.2%) Source: US Census data, 2000

Columbus Health Department African American Women and HIV in Franklin County, Ohio AA women represent: * 10% of the total HIV/AIDS cases (n=268) * 64% of the total HIV/AIDS cases for all women What’s next??????? Source: Ohio Department of Health HIV Surveillance Data

Columbus Health Department Our Response Based on HIV/AIDS Surveillance Data for Franklin County Goal: To reduce the transmission of HIV in African American women, as well as other minority populations. Objective: To offer sexual health services (HIV/STD testing and prevention education) to African American women in their own settings (sororities, churches, National Black observance days relating to HIV)

Columbus Health Department Collaboration Efforts Minority and community-based organizations, academic institutions, churches, and community/public events

Columbus Health Department Challenges/Barriers Advertisement African American Churches

Columbus Health Department Successes Opportunity to reach many “hard to reach” populations Numerous networking opportunities -future collaboration efforts -med students volunteers Positive feedback from community -support/accolades from event planners sponsors and attendees