Women of color, particularly Black women, have been especially hard hit and represent the majority of new HIV infections and AIDS cases among women, and the majority of women living with the disease.  Today, there are approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S., including nearly 280,000 women. Black women accounted for 66% of estimated AIDS cases among women, aged 13 and older, diagnosed in 2006, but only 12% of the U.S. population of women. Latinas accounted for 16% of estimated AIDS cases, compared to 13% of the female population aged 13 and over.  

The Henry J.  Kaiser Family Foundation, October 2008 

 Thanks for visiting this website. The Behavioral Assessment and Rapid HIV Testing (BART) project is a three-year initiative that brings free and confidential HIV testing to under-served communities. That’s right; we’re taking it to the streets. Why? HIV remains a major health threat to some minority and high-risk groups.  One of BART’s goals is to promote HIV testing as a means of increasing HIV awareness.  If you are sexually active, HIV testing should be a routine part of your annual health examination.  There is nothing wrong with being tested for HIV. It does not matter if you are black, white, Latina, gay, straight or bi-sexual - you can be at risk for HIV.  

It has been estimated that forty-six percent of new HIV infections occurred among African Americans, even though blacks comprise only 12% of the US population. The majority (65%) of new infections in blacks occurred in black men. (MMWR, 2008*)   Many people are infected with HIV simply because they are not aware of HIV risk factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2006 twenty-one percent of those people infected with HIV / AIDS were undiagnosed. Here is the good news: HIV is preventable. Prevention starts with knowing your HIV status. This is why BART also stands for Being About Rapid HIV Testing because HIV awareness starts with you! Knowing your HIV status is giving yourself power; power to control your destiny, power to protect yourself, power to be proactive about your health.       

 Global Evaluation & Applied Research Solutions (GEARS) Inc. has been contracted to manage and coordinate all BART activities. GEARS has funding to support a BART testing event in your community. GEARS is currently seeking proposals from community based organizations and health departments that are interested in conducting rapid HIV testing event at a community-based event. The BART Funding Opportunity can be downloaded from this website.  

 BART will travel to events across the country into various communities (pride events, college football events, spring breaks, concerts, art and jazz festivals). Thus far, we have provided funding support to health departments and community based organizations. These orgainzations have conducted rapid HIV testing at events, such as, the Bronner Brothers Hair Show, the Heritage Classic, and the Gay Leather Pride. Your organization could be the next host of a  BART event.  For more information about how you can participate, sponsor, volunteer, or apply as a grantee to host a BART event, check out our links!

*Statistics cited in the Sub-population Estimates from the HIV Incidence Surveillance System — United States, 2006. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), September 12, 2008 published by CDC.