LOUISIANA: Black Churches Targeting AIDS Virus

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

LOUISIANA: Black Churches Targeting AIDS Virus

Times-Picayune (03.08.04) - Monday, March 08, 2004
Joe Darby

On Sunday, the Rev. Wilmer Brown took an unusual approach to kicking off Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS: The New Orleans pastor of the Central Congregational United Church of Christ and his wife underwent HIV tests in the middle of worship services to demonstrate the importance of getting tested. "I like to lead by precept and example. If I'm going to ask someone to do something, I will do it too," said Brown.

Brown also invited people to get tested for HIV at the church's weeklong health fair, which runs through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2401 Bienville St. More than 15 churches throughout New Orleans are participating in similar educational efforts and health fairs to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Huelen Brown hopes that at least 100 people will be tested at the church's health fair this week. She said the church is ready to provide prayer and compassion and "to remove the stigma of having AIDS" for those who may test positive.

According to Robert Swayzer, deputy director of Brotherhood Inc., the citywide effort is focused on black churches because 54 percent of AIDS patients in 2002 were African Americans, who comprise just 12 percent of the US population. "It's devastating the African-American community," said Swayzer.

"A lot of people don't realize they are at risk; they think AIDS is something that can only happen to someone else," said Swayzer. He also said many people who have HIV are unaware of their status. CDC, which finances Brotherhood Inc., reports one in 50 black men and one in 160 black women are HIV- positive.

Local physician Dr. Robert Perry reminded members of the Central congregation that early detection of HIV is important "because the earlier you find out, the longer you can live."
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