Because the initial spread of HIV and AIDS in this country was in gay white men, many people decided they did not need to worry about it. Heterosexual people and lesbians often decided that they were safe. Many times, minorities thought that it wasn't their problem. The truth is that everyone who is sexually active is at risk. But minorities, whether gay or straight, are especially at risk.

One out of every three AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control so far has been an African-American. One out of every six AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control so far has been an Hispanic. The rates among Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are still low, but it is feared that these numbers will rise as well.

Why are the numbers so much higher with African-Americans and Hispanics? There are many theories. They may be less likely to take precautions while having sex or using injection drugs. Another theory is minorities have less access to health care and education.

Sometimes it takes knowing someone with HIV or AIDS to make the danger real to people. Unfortunately, more and more Hispanic and African-American people are having this experience.

What can you do to avoid getting HIV? If you use needles to inject drugs, use new needles or clean your needles with bleach and water before using. It's quick and easy. Suck up fresh bleach and squirt it out into a different container three times, then suck up fresh water and squirt it out into a different container three times. If you are sexually active, engage in safer sex. While safer sex is not one hundred percent effective, it can greatly reduce your risk of infection with HIV and other diseases. Use latex or plastic condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, or oral sex on men. Use dental dams or other barriers for oral sex on women. Avoid lambskin condoms. Using latex or plastic condoms and water-based lubricants with nonoxynol-9 may also help reduce risk.

It may be difficult to talk to your partner about sex. But, you may be risking your life if you do not speak up. Contact an HIV/AIDS service organization for help in learning to speak to your sexual partner.

For more information on HIV and AIDS, call the National AIDS Hotline at (800) 342-2437. Spanish speakers can call (800) 342-7432.

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