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Black Churches Launch Second Annual HIV Testing National Awareness Campaign
Birmingham Times
Birmingham, AI
06.14.01
New York, NY - The Balm in Gilead's second annual Our Church Lights The Way:
The Black Church HIV Testing Campaign, a national effort that empowers the
power of the Black Church to encourage African Americans to get tested for
HIV launches June 1st and will run the entire month.
This campaign seeks to connect Black Americans with local HIV testing sites
and to help Black churches become community centers for HIV education and
information.
This year's HIV testing campaign coincides with the 20 Years of AIDS is Enough
campaign, which is being organized by a coalition of AIDS service organizations
to mark the 20th anniversary of "living with AIDS."
It was twenty years ago on June 5, that The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention published an article on five cases of rare pneumocystis pneumonia
found in five Gay men in Los Angeles. Today, we know that type of pneumonia
indicates a diagnosis of AIDS.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, twenty years
ago, African Americans represented less than a quarter of the AIDS cases
in the country, today over 50% of all new AIDS cases are among Black Americans.
"Black churches have an essential role to play in stopping AIDS throughout
our global village," says Pernessa C. Seele, founder/CEO of The Balm In Gilead.
"The Balm In Gilead is assisting care by encouraging African Americans to
get tested for HIV and get treatment if HIV positive. If negative, we want
churches to be effective advocates for HIV prevention."
The Balm In Gilead is requesting that during the month of June, churches encourage
their congregations and community to get tested for HIV. By participating
with local health departments and AIDS service organizations, churches are
asked provide mobile testing sites at their church.
This campaign also supports National HIV Testing Day, Wednesday, June 27,
which is sponsored by the National Association of People Living with HIV.
For more information on The Balm In Gilead, or to receive "Our Church Lights
The Way" posters and brochures for your event, contact the Balm
In Gilead at 886-225-6243.
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