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PURPOSE
Today I informed a young man that his HIV
test result was reactive (HIV Positive). No - he isn’t Gay, or White, or an
Intravenous Drug User - he’s a young black man we all know so well.
Today “Our community must
recognize that this is a State of Emergency!" The outrageous rates continue
to skyrocket, "even as mainstream media continue to largely ignore
it."
Some of our local leaders told me, “ that’s Not my concern, "I’m too busy,”
and “thanks, but No thanks.” So, if they chose to ignore the problem, they
seek not a solution. Therefore, for this is the purpose I write a personal letter to
you.
On 4 July 2005, the San
Antonio Black Barbershop Coalition (SA-BBC) was launched. Purpose:
decrease the astronomical
HIV/STD rates within the Black/African American community in San Antonio,
Texas.
Objectives:
1)
provide HIV/STD training to barbers and barber students; 2)
offer free haircuts to black male customers in exchange for completely anonymous
HIV testing; 3)
give realistic evaluations of risk factors for HIV/STD; 4)
dispel myths about transmission; 5)
deliver varied risk reduction
methods; and 6)
supply tools and resources for
HIV/STD prevention, education, and risk reduction.
Appreciatively,
-
Marlon Bradley, M.Ed.
SA-BBC Coordinator
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