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An "Around-the-Clock" Defense
Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., Chairman 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
 100
Black Men of America, Inc. remains a strong voice in the community. We understand
our responsibility to educate, and we remain committed to providing information
that builds awareness and empowers individuals. As responsible men serving in
numerous mentoring capacities globally, we embrace the opportunity to share the
100’s “Around-the-Clock” defense against HIV/AIDS. Our “clock” analogy is an easy
reminder that we hope will ultimately change “A.M.” and “P.M.” behavior.
Abstinence
An around-the-clock defense against HIV/AIDS begins with abstinence. As we
mentor young men and women also, our message is to abstain from behavior that
puts you at risk. Children and young adults are encouraged to pursue education,
and to prepare themselves for a future with many options, that lead to economic
prosperity. We are convinced that education is a key strategy to their later success
in life. That education must include information on HIV/AIDS, including education
on the impact the disease would have on their lives if contracted. Abstinence
is their strongest, safest and most secure defense strategy.
Monogamy
The HIV/AIDS crisis statistically has not impacted couples in truly monogamous
relationships, as compared to sexually active individuals with multiple partners.
Married and non-married couples with monogamous lifestyles lower their risk factors
for contracting HIV/AIDS. Healthy consenting adults, who do not engage in any
other high-risk behavior, have a stronger defense against the disease when monogamy
is their way of life.
Protection
Consenting adults must remain
aware of the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS. Protecting oneself from
contracting HIV is key. The CDC has outlined a series
of protective measures that all sexually active adults must adopt in order to
lower their risk factors. The consistent and proper use of condoms remains
the
CDC’s number one recommended defense, for sexually active adults. Around-the-clock
protection requires each individual know the facts about AIDS. A detailed list
of AIDS Facts is available via the The Balm in Gilead “100" AIDS Fact Sheet.
AIDS
Facts can also be viewed on our site by clicking
here.
Management
Personal health management is
an individual responsibility. Combating HIV/AIDS requires a heightened level
of daily personal health management. In the battle
against this epidemic, a personal health inventory must remain top of mind. This
health management approach can be summarized as your personal “KIT” against the
disease. The “100” KIT approach includes Knowledge, Information and Treatment.
- Knowledge: Know your HIV status and how to protect yourself
- Information: Remain informed about HIV/AIDS facts and seek out current information
- Treatment: Pursue treatment if you are infected with HIV/AIDS
The “100’s” commitment to educating members of our community on HIV/AIDS has
fostered a partnership with The Balm In Gilead, Inc.
We urge our
members to contact their local congregations and request continued involvement.
The church must reach out to the ever-increasing number of people in our communities
that have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. This outreach should encompass people
infected
with AIDS and those affected, i.e., family members and friends. These loved
ones serve as caregivers and have gone unnoticed and underserved as the epidemic
continues
to spread.
The Balm In Gilead, Inc., and the members of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.,
believe that working as a community we can fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.
National Support:
Spokespersons: The Honorable Melvin L Watt, Winston Price M.D., FAAP
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