Earlier this week, women across the nation celebrated HIV and aids awareness day.
Dozens of women gathered at the Montrose Counseling Center to learn more about the disease and how to protect themselves against it.
"Every 35 minutes in the U.S. a woman tests positive for HIV," said Nike Lukan of Aids Foundation Houston.
Even more alarming she says 84% of women diagnosed with HIV in the Houston area are African American or Hispanic, not because they are more promiscuous, but due to lack of resources she says.
"Houston we have a problem, but we're here today to do something about this problem," Lukan said.
While there are many myths surrounding HIV/AIDS, during the four hour seminar women got the facts. Lukan explained it's a disease that transcends race, sexual preference and gender -in fact she says women are actually a very vulnerable population.
"In many communities around Houston HIV is spread simply because the other partner hasn't gotten tested and don't know their status," she said.
The ladies had the opportunity to know their status - Planned Parenthood representatives were on hand giving free HIV and STD testing.
"One of the most important things we are doing today is talking about the female condom, it's a new way that women can protect themselves from a lot of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV," said Rochelle Tafolla of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast
The main difference between this female condom and the old version, says Tafolla -- the material is more light-weight. It is also about $9 dollars cheaper and is covered by Medicaid.
"A lot of females are scared to talk to their mate about sex but they can talk to them about everything else so it's just another way to make sure they have protection," said Kandice Rose.
A conversation that's often-times difficult to have, but one that can be the difference between life and death. "Whether it's HIVE or support system - that's what I'm here for so they can know that there's other people out there and other people going through what they are going through," said Shaunette Granger who runs the transitional living facility for women with HIV/AIDS called Sisters of Serenity.
According to a report out last week by the National Center for Health Statistics, more teens are practicing abstinence. The report shows 27% of young men and 29% of young women ages 15-24 say they've never had a sexual encounter. For more information about the HIV/AIDS awareness or FC2 click here.
"Every 35 minutes in the U.S. a woman tests positive for HIV," said Nike Lukan of Aids Foundation Houston.
Even more alarming she says 84% of women diagnosed with HIV in the Houston area are African American or Hispanic, not because they are more promiscuous, but due to lack of resources she says.
"Houston we have a problem, but we're here today to do something about this problem," Lukan said.
While there are many myths surrounding HIV/AIDS, during the four hour seminar women got the facts. Lukan explained it's a disease that transcends race, sexual preference and gender -in fact she says women are actually a very vulnerable population.
"In many communities around Houston HIV is spread simply because the other partner hasn't gotten tested and don't know their status," she said.
The ladies had the opportunity to know their status - Planned Parenthood representatives were on hand giving free HIV and STD testing.
"One of the most important things we are doing today is talking about the female condom, it's a new way that women can protect themselves from a lot of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV," said Rochelle Tafolla of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast
The main difference between this female condom and the old version, says Tafolla -- the material is more light-weight. It is also about $9 dollars cheaper and is covered by Medicaid.
"A lot of females are scared to talk to their mate about sex but they can talk to them about everything else so it's just another way to make sure they have protection," said Kandice Rose.
A conversation that's often-times difficult to have, but one that can be the difference between life and death. "Whether it's HIVE or support system - that's what I'm here for so they can know that there's other people out there and other people going through what they are going through," said Shaunette Granger who runs the transitional living facility for women with HIV/AIDS called Sisters of Serenity.
According to a report out last week by the National Center for Health Statistics, more teens are practicing abstinence. The report shows 27% of young men and 29% of young women ages 15-24 say they've never had a sexual encounter. For more information about the HIV/AIDS awareness or FC2 click here.
