NEW YORK, NY -- February 1, 2006 --- In his fifth State of the Union address, last night President Bush highlighted the HIV/AIDS public health crisis and committed to working with African American churches.

Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead and a pioneer in mobilizing Black faith communities to address HIV/AIDS, was invited to sit in the First Lady’s Box as a symbol of the President’s commitment.

In his speech, President Bush said: “We will also lead a nationwide effort, working closely with African American churches and faith-based groups, to deliver rapid HIV tests to millions, end the stigma of AIDS, and come closer to the day when there are no new infections in America."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AIDS is the leading cause of death among African American women ages 24 to 34. It is among the top three causes of death for Black men ages 25-54. Contributing to this alarming picture is the fact that 61 percent of new AIDS cases are among African American teens and young women. “HIV/AIDS is a public health crisis in the African American community,” said Seele. “Today, I am happy that the President of the United States is paying attention to the crisis and acknowledging the vital role faith communities can play in eliminating this public health crisis.”

The Balm In Gilead, Inc. is a 501(c) (3), not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health status of people of the African Diaspora by building the capacity of faith communities to address life-threatening diseases, especially HIV/AIDS. The Balm In Gilead, implements innovative programs nationally and overseas. This includes The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, which will be observed for the 17th year from March 5-11, 2006. This week of prayer, education and action engages Black congregations to help stop the spread of HIV in Black communities worldwide and to care for those affected by the disease. The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is the largest AIDS awareness campaign targeting the African American community.

Additionally, The Balm In Gilead operates the nation's only HIV/AIDS technical assistance center designed specifically to serve Black churches. The Center also assists public agencies and community-based organizations that wish to partner with Black churches on AIDS issues.

The Balm In Gilead’s other groundbreaking work in the African American faith community includes the African American Denominational Leadership Health Initiative. Launched in March 2004, this historic partnership between the Balm In Gilead and the women’s missionary societies and councils of three Black religious denominations – The African Methodist Episcopal Church, The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church -- is designed to build the capacity of these denominations to address cervical cancer, HIV/AIDS and other health issues in Black communities.

The organization’s international mission includes building the capacity of faith organizations in Cote d Ivoire, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Kenya to address health crises, especially HIV/AIDS.