From the CDC...

In 2005, HIV disease was the third leading cause of death for black women aged 25-44 years, and the fourth leading cause of death for black women aged 45-54 years. Among all women, HIV disease mortality increased between 1987-1995, then decreased until 1998. From 1998-2005, HIV disease mortality for black women aged 25-44 years increased to 20.7 deaths per 100,000 population, and to 27.9 per 100,000 among black women aged 45-54.

ACS Featured on Garden Walk Website

(by Christopher Voltz) In a relatively new development, GardenWalk Buffalo selects one of its participant gardens to be featured on its website as its Garden of the Month. This month AIDS Community Services’ “Hope Blooms” Garden at the Victorian has been selected. To view this feature including an article about the garden and the many exciting new developments happening this year click on http://gardenwalkbuffalo.com to visit the GardenWalk Buffalo website.

The Evergreen Association Outreach Team were spotted at the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Team members distributed two thousand safer sex condom packets... great job!

ACS in the News

ACS Director of Southern Tier Services Laurie Matson gets a mention in two excellent stories about HIV and testing that have appeared in the Jamestown Post-Journal recently. Click HERE and HERE to read the full stories. Great job Laurie!

ACS Makes a Splash at Mardi Gras!

The ACS outreach team made a splash at their first appearance in Buffalo's annual Mardi Gras parade. ACS and Pride Center staff, volunteers and friends donned colorful masks, feathers, capes and sparkles to spread the prevention message to Mardi Gras revelers, and by the end of the parade more than 1200 condom packets* had been distributed. The team even made the front page of the Buffalo News' local section! Great job, guys!

* condom packets include condoms and lube along with instructions for proper condom use, safer sex guidelines and information on HIV testing.