The Rev. Jesse Jackson To Comment On Latest Statistics

The Center for Race and Bioethics (RABE) at DePaul University will discuss the growing AIDS epidemic in the African American community and release a recently completed statistical analysis of how African Americans fare in the health care delivery system at 11:45 a.m. March 14 at the Northern Trust Bank, 50 S. LaSalle St., Room B6.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson will comment on newly released U.S. Department of Health and Chicago Health Department statistics that show a surge in AIDS cases in communities of color. He also will discuss the responsibility of the religious community and of national, state and local governments in addressing the growing numbers.

“We will discuss the rate with which AIDS is growing in the African American community--which is almost as rapid as its spread in Africa,” said Michele Goodwin, director of RABE. “We will also release the first quantitative data on African Americans’ perceptions of healthcare delivery, access, and quality of health care.” The legal and social issues surrounding the AIDS epidemic that will be addressed include:

· Mandatory pre-natal AIDS screening.

· AIDS/HIV status disclosure.

· Affordability and access to AIDS medication, especially by minorities.

· Housing and other public accommodation issues faced by those with HIV/AIDS.

· AIDS in prisons and what can be done to stem the trend of increasing numbers of African American men coming out of prison infected with AIDS.

Note to editors: Reporters will need to register at media check-in table before gaining admittance to the news conference.