February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a national HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative designed to encourage black people across the United States, Territorial Areas and Diaspora to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated around HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate black communities.
In 2011, God laid it upon my heart to address the increase in HIV infections among the 13 - 24 age group. In 2010, 13-24 year-olds made-up 25% of new HIV infections, and 60% had no idea they were exposed to the infection. February 7, 2012, I was blessed to release my third novel The Red Bear Society. This powerful novel gives a fictional account of an academically praised high school that is forced to take a deeper look into the actions of its students when it is revealed that several have tested positive for HIV, STD's, and drug use during a blood drive.
When I initially began writing The Red Bear Society I was told by a community liaison for Florida Blood Services that it was highly improbable that a blood drive at a high school would reveal multiple HIV infections. I have sense learned through reliable sources this happens more often than we care to consider.
The Red Bear Society gives an in-depth look into the lives of a group of teens and touches on behaviors becoming all too common in their lives. Unprotected sex, teen pregnancy, sexting, Rainbow parties and inappropriate relationships between teachers and their students, is covered in an informative, yet realistic, manner that allows readers to understand how easily lives can be changed and destroyed by bad decisions.
On February 7th, I will give-away 14 autographed copies of this phenomenal novel. There are two ways to win. Enter a give-away on GoodReads.com, simply visit my home page at www.TracyLDarity.com and click the "enter" button on the GoodReads contest box. Second, follow me on my FaceBook author page February 7th, and help spread awareness by sharing my status updates. It's just that easy.
In the meantime, please get educated, get tested, get involved, and if needed, get treated!
Peace & Blessings,
Tracy
