New Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS

New Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS Among Black Americans 40 and Older Heads to Houston, TX

Houston TX -- The estimated rate of HIV occurrence in Houston is almost two times the national rate of new infections, with Black American's accounting for over half of new infections. To help curb these numbers the Black AIDS Institute -- the nation's only HIV/AIDS think tank focused exclusively on Black people -- is bringing its latest initiative to Houston.

Trump AIDS is a unique national campaign that combines the traditional Black pastime of bid whist -- a popular card game among Black Americans aged 40-plus -- with community health outreach efforts designed to help educate an often overlooked HIV/AIDS demographic. Backed by the Houston Sun, Rolling Out Magazine, DSHSHIVSTD program, St Hope Foundation, Bee Busy, Inc. and other local organizations, Trump AIDS also helps raise money to fight the disease in Black communities.

The program launched in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15th and is now heading to Houston, Texas, beginning February 26th at the SRO Sports Bar & Café, 444 Northwest Mall, 9800 Hempstead Road. For a complete list of cities hosting events and to register, please visit TrumpAIDS.org.

"AIDS does not only affect a select demographic such as youth, women or gay men," says actor and AIDS activist Danny Glover, who is a celebrity co-chair of Trump AIDS. "It affects all groups of people. That is why Trump AIDS is such an important campaign for Black people to support and participate in." Jackée Harry, the other celebrity co-chair, adds, "We must unite as a community -- for the sake of our community. To do nothing is to be part of the problem."

"I am thrilled to have Trump AIDS and the Health Fair in Houston because I think the tournament is unique in that it's targeting African Americans, many of whom believe they are immune to HIV," says Norman Mitchell, CEO of Bee Busy, Inc. "I think this event is an excellent way to help change that," he adds.

Jeffrey Campbell with the St. Hope Foundation, Inc. echoes Mr. Mitchell's sentiments. He says, "Trump AIDS is a great idea! Houston has a large number of Bid Whist players who I think will be open to getting tested and receiving information because it's a part of a game that they love so much."