African American Health Program

Taking Action Against HIV

In Montgomery County, despite Black residents making up 19% of the County’s population, Black women accounted for 58% of women diagnosed with HIV in 2023. This alarming statistic demonstrates the need for increased sexual health awareness and targeted support for Black women. In response, with assistance and collaboration from the African American Health Program, Montgomery County has established the Black Women’s Sexual Health Working Group (BWSHWG) to reduce the rate of HIV among Black women in the County. The BWSHWG is just one part of a broader commitment by the County to reduce HIV rates significantly.

The African American Health Program (AAHP) and Montgomery County offer free testing services and sexual health education programs that are key in preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Increasing awareness of and facilitating access to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) helps to ensure those at risk are well-informed and supported. Antiretroviral therapies also enable HIV+ individuals to achieve undetectable viral loads, preventing sexual transmission of the virus. We are well on our way towards a future where HIV is rare and eventually non-existent.

World AIDS Day, observed this year and every year on December 1, served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS and the importance of addressing its disproportionate impact on the Black community. To learn more or access free local resources, visit AAHP’s website here or Montgomery County’s HIV resources page. AAHP offers confidential office testing by appointment at (240) 777-1833.

Source: www.hiv.gov