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HIV Testing Campaign video.
A Message from Perenssa C. Seele | The Black Church Lights The Way | Why Should I Get Tested? |
Stop Living In The Dark | Get Your Church Involved In
HIV Testing | Register Your Church
...................................................................................................
 Greetings
to the Family!!!
The 6th Annual Our Church Lights the Way: the Black Church HIV Testing
Campaignis now in full swing. We are launching our campaign this year in partnership
with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The purpose of Our
Church Lights the Way Campaign is to mobilize our faith leaders and their congregations
to encourage African Americans to get tested for HIV and to know their status.
HIV/AIDS is a disease that is devastating Black people, just like hypertension,
diabetes, cervical, breast, prostrate and all forms of cancers. It is critical
for each of us to know our HIV status, as it is very important for us to
know our cholesterol and blood pressure levels, as well as to take our annual
Pap test or mammography.
HIV/AIDS is continuing to destroy the total health and well being of the African
American community. We make up 12% of the US population, yet we represent a
shocking 54% of the new HIV infections estimated to occur in the US every year.
Less than two years ago, our young people ages 13-19 represented 66% of the
reported HIV infections among teens in the United States. African American
women make up approximately 70% of new AIDS cases among all women living with
the HIV virus. We need all of our churches to light the way on HIV testing. The Balm In Gilead
is asking our pastors and other church officials to speak out! Help us save
the lives of our people—our children, mothers, fathers, grandparents.
HIV/AIDS is seeking to destroy all of us. However, we can stop this virus,
if we act now! We must provide information to our congregations and communities
on the importance of HIV testing and counseling. And we must support and embrace
all of our family members who are affected by this disease. Our Church Lights the Way Campaign will be a beaming light on National HIV
Testing Day, June 27th. Let your church be a safe place for open worship and
HIV information distribution. Let us encourage everyone to get tested for HIV.
June 27th is National HIV Testing Day and the church is lighting the way!
Join the fight. Save our community. As Always, I AM yours in the Consciousness of Abiding Faith! 
Pernessa
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