Jackson Free Press

[verbatim] Jackson State University's Southern Institute for Mental Health Advocacy, Research and Training (SMHART) and the Jackson-based HIV/AIDS organization Building Bridges, Inc., will sponsor the "National Women and Girls HIV Community Event" from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 11 at the Jackson Medical Mall, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Drive in Jackson, Miss.

"We're targeting women and girls who want to learn more about HIV/AIDS prevention," said SMHART advocacy specialist Kira Johnson.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services leads National Women and Girl HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The theme for 2009 is "HIV is Right Here at Home".

In 2005, women represented 26 percent of new AIDS diagnoses, compared to only 11 percent of new AIDS cases reported in 1990. Most women are infected with HIV through heterosexual contact and injection drug use. Women of color are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. AIDS is now the leading cause of death for black women ages 25 to 34.

Jackson State's College of Public Service School of Social Work established SMHART in 2004 to positively impact rural and urban mental health services affecting African Americans and other under-represented populations in Mississippi. The institute focuses on research, training and advocacy.

Building Bridges, Inc. is a community-based, nonprofit organization of caring professionals who are dedicated to preventing HIV infection and improving the lives of those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS.

The "National Women and Girls HIV Community Event" will take place at the Jackson Medical Mall center stage. It is co-sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

For more information, call 601-979-1530.