FLORIDA: Church Helps Those with AIDS

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

FLORIDA: Church Helps Those with AIDS

Bradenton Herald (12.17.03) - Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Donna Wright

Spurred to action by Gov. Jeb Bush's recent conference on how faith-based groups can help solve community problems, Bishop F.D. Simon and his wife, Florence, hosted a Christmas dinner for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. More than 125 men, women and children sat down to the elaborate meal held at the Temple of Faith, Deliverance and Salvation on Dec. 16.

"This is an outreach," said Simon. "I am so happy that the church is getting involved with the HIV/AIDS situation we have here in Manatee County." He continued, "African Americans are so greatly affected. It's time for us to develop outreach programs to make people aware."

Manatee County ranks 13th among Florida's 67 counties in both HIV cases and AIDS cases. While the county's rate of HIV infection and AIDS cases has been relatively flat for the past two years, health officials warn the numbers are "high flats" and the rate of infection is among the highest is Florida, which ranks third in the nation in AIDS cases. The statistics also show that HIV rates among blacks and Hispanics are disproportionately high.

Manatee County Health Department employees were on hand to help pass out presents and food collected by Club RJ's and Project Smile of Manatee Inc. Simon donned a red cap trimmed in fur to play Santa Claus.

Simon hopes other churches take his cue. "That is my prayer, that the churches will come forth... to realize who we really are and what is going on in the community," Simon said. "The church is like home. This is where we were raised up, and we ought to be able to face the fact that we can help people."

The event is the first of monthly dinners Simon's church plans to hold. Education and outreach will be offered along with food and fellowship.
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