Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Joins Forces with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Joins Forces with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to fight HIV/AIDS in Washington, D.C.

Culminating Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s first phase of the Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI), the Fraternity joined forces with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to open the AHF Blair Underwood Healthcare Clinic in Northwest Washington, DC. The Clinic is named for Brother Blair Underwood who has launched the MAN UP! campaign which encourages African American men to man up and get tested. Attending the clinic’s opening last week were President Hammock, Past Presidents Womack and Griffin, other General Board members, Grand Basileus Sheryl Underwood and Brothers from around the globe.  The Alpha Chapter performed several steps as their way of Stepping out AIDS.  The Fraternity was featured in the Washington Post, USA Today, D.C.-based television stations and several radio outlets.

Nearly 30 years since the start of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, African Americans, by far, bear the greatest burden of HIV in the United States. As part of the Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI) – a partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and 14 of the nation’s leading African-American organizations to integrate HIV prevention into their existing outreach programs – Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity has engaged, primarily its collegiate chapters, in events to encourage early diagnosis and routine testing for HIV.

“We realize the importance of being on the frontline in the fight against HIV/AIDS and therefore our efforts speak to our commitment to championing this cause,” said Jimmy Hammock, International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.  “Our members are encouraged TO KNOW THEIR STATUS and to bring awareness of the impact of the disease to others,” said Marco W. McMillan, Executive Director for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

According to CDC data released last year, although African Americans represent about 12% of the population, they account for nearly half of all people living with HIV/AIDS (46%) and new infections (45%). Approximately one in 16 black men will be diagnosed with HIV over their lifetime, as will one in 30 black women – facts which underscore the need for our partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

Alpha Chapter @ Howard University performing

Brother Blair Underwood with members of Alpha Chapter

Brother Blair Underwood addressing the media and guests

Brother Blair Underwood holding plaque that bares the name of the building in his honor

Congressman Brother John Lewis greeted by Michael Weinstein, President, AIDS Healthcare Foundation

President Jimmy Hammock addresses the media and audience

Ribbon cutting (Hammock at left)

Sheryl Underwood, Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Brother John Lewis and Brother Frank Underwood, Jr.

President Jimmy Hammock, (second left) with Hon. Brother Carter D. Womack, Dr. Juanita Sims Doty, Regional Director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Brother Paul L. Griffin, Jr.


 
 

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