For Immediate Release
June 22, 2004
Contact: Angela Johnson
(323) 525-0559 ext. 226; (323) 525-1877 fax
ajohnson@baumancurry.com

African American Churches Launch Effort to Increase HIV Testing
Themed, “It’s Better to Know,” the effort supports National HIV Testing Day 2004

Los Angeles—Pastors from a state coalition formed to mentor African American churches in HIV/AIDS education efforts are recognizing the 10th anniversary of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) with a massive push to get black congregations tested for the disease on June 27.

This month, the Statewide HIV/AIDS Church Outreach Advisory Board (SWAB), comprised of church leaders from Sacramento to San Diego, have distributed 400 HIV testing information kits to churches, which will enable pastors to encourage their congregants to get tested for HIV. The specially designed church HIV testing information kits provide life-saving information on HIV testing resources and support services available in local communities. In addition, the kits provide theologically sound approaches to building an HIV/AIDS ministry within black churches.

“Being involved in the challenge to educate and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS is vitally necessary,” said Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr., pastor of Bryant Temple A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles and chair of the SWAB. “It would be a sin and a crime not to do this work because so many in our communities are affected by this disease due to a lack of understanding and education.”

The June 27 National HIV Testing Day outreach effort is one of four annual observances SWAB promotes as part of its mission to combat the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS among California’s African Americans. In partnership with the California Department of Health Services, Office of AIDS, this volunteer advisory board comprised of clergy works with local health organizations and other churches to provide the tools to educate congregations about HIV/AIDS in a manner that is appropriate for the black church community.

The theme for this year’s National HIV Testing Day 2004 is “It’s Better to Know,” emphasizing early detection, responsibility and encouraging people at-risk to seek early treatment to reduce the chance of spreading the disease to others.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans in the United States represent 12 percent of the total population yet account for more than half of the 40,000 new HIV infections each year. As of May 31, 2004, the California HIV Case Surveillance Report documented that African Americans made up 20 percent of adults/adolescents infected with HIV and 33 percent of pediatric HIV cases. In comparison, African Americans represent only seven percent of the state’s population.

The NHTD Church Kit offers a variety of recommendations to initiate church-based discussions and motivate African American church goers to get tested for HIV. The following is a partial list of useful and effective ways for churches to support HIV Testing Day and educate black church goers about this deadly disease:

1. Prepare a “compassionate” sermon about HIV/AIDS or choose one from Healing Begins Here: A Pastors Guidebook to HIV/AIDS Ministry Through the Church – available online at www.arkofrefuge.org.

2. Prepare and distribute a list of confidential and anonymous HIV testing sites in your community. For a list of local HIV testing sites in California, visit www.hivinfo.org, click on the state map, then click on the larger map that shows your local health department. Those in other states should contact the local public health department for a list of local HIV testing sites.

3. Include a message of “compassion,” encouragement and hope in church announcements for those who may be affected by HIV/AIDS, and provide phone numbers or website addresses with HIV/AIDS testing/treatment information.

4. Coordinate with your local health department to provide free HIV testing and counseling services at church.

Churches interested in obtaining a complete HIV Testing Day information kit or contacting the Statewide HIV/AIDS Church Outreach Advisory Board may do so by calling (877) 256-1997 or e-mailing blackchurchaids@onebox.com. Churches and non-profit organizations in California may receive a free copy of the Healing Begins Here guidebook, interactive and educational quiz cards and Kente cloth lapel pins. Those outside of California can download a free copy of the Guidebook by visiting www.arkofrefuge.org. To learn more about the four AIDS observances supported by SWAB, visit the following websites:

National HIV Testing Day June 27 www.napwa.org/hivtestinfo/
World AIDS Day December 1 www.unaids.org/ (click Events)
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day February 7 www.blackaidsday.org
Black Church Week of Prayer 1st Sunday in March www.balmingilead.org/programs/