The "Embracing Our Traditions, Values and Teachings: Native Peoples of North America HIV/AIDS" conference begins in Anchorage, Alaska, this evening.

The conference, which runs through Saturday, is expected to draw upwards of 1,000 participants. They will discuss the impact HIV and AIDS on American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The rate of HIV infection for Native Americans is 7.9 cases per 100,000 people. While not the highest in the nation, it is higher than the 6 per 100,000 people rate among whites.

In Alaska, American Indians and Alaska Natives make up nearly 23 percent of HIV and AIDS cases. Native Americans are 16 percent of the general population in the state.

Get the Story:
Event will address HIV/AIDS in Natives (The Anchorage Daily News 5/2)
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Relevant Links:
Embracing Our Traditions - http://www.embracingourtraditions.org
National Native American AIDS Prevention Center - http://www.nnaapc.org
National HIV Prevention Conference - http://www.2005hivprevconf.org

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