"We are proud to partner with the Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus (CBGMC) and the Black Gay Pride organizers in support of this initiative," states Karma Israelsen, interim president and CEO of Howard Brown Health Center. "African-Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, and it is imperative to provide on-going accessible educational and testing opportunities to decrease the spread of the disease within this community."

As part of its partnership for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, HIV and STI testing will be free for all walk-in clients at HBHC's Sheridan Road clinic located at 4025 N. Sheridan Road. Free HIV testing will be available from 9:00 am — 8:00 pm.

"It is important that we work together as community-based organizations and healthcare providers, to bring forth an unyielding message about the importance of getting tested and knowing your status," said Keith Green, board chairman of CBGMC. "We are grateful to Howard Brown Health Center for partnering with us to get the African American LGBT community to be more proactive in their health."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans represent 14% of the U.S. population but account for 44% of new HIV infections.

Jesse Hinton, spokesperson for Black Pride organizers says, "The goal is of this collaboration is to ultimately create better health outcomes for the African American LGBT community. We need and welcome the support of more health institutions such as Howard Brown Health Center to assist us in lowering HIV infections in our community."

For more information, please visit www.howardbrown.org or call our patient service line at 773-388-1600.