BETHESDA, Md.—Racial and ethnic minorities in America have been hit harder than White Americans by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They make up about one-third of the population, but two-thirds of all cases. In 2009, African Americans made up 14 percent of the population, but accounted for 44 percent of all new HIV infections. And Hispanics made up 16 percent of the population but 20 percent of new cases in 2009.

African American women over the age of 49 years old are contracting the HIV/AIDS disease at alarming rates, yet little attention is given toward their prevention needs. HIV/AIDS prevention teaching for postmenopausal Black women is imperative to reduce the incidence and the transmission of this disease. Clinicians who provide health services to postmenopausal Black women need to be educated on their HIV risk behaviors.