Miami Herald, June 24, 1999
Andrea Robinson, Herald Staff Writer

Starting today, health workers are going into different communities offering free HIV tests and doling out condoms and advice about safe sex. Their efforts are in observance of the day that focuses on preventing AIDS .

National HIV Testing Day is Sunday, but locals can expect a six-day informational blitz that includes music, refreshments and confidential tests administered during Sunday religious services.

This year's testing campaign comes on the heels of a national study released Wednesday in The Journal of the American Medical Association, which reported that women, blacks and Hispanics infected with HIV are less likely than other groups to get the best care. Health educators hope that through increased outreach more people will be tested and learn sooner if they've contracted the virus that causes AIDS.

In Miami-Dade County, blacks accounted for 49 percent of AIDS cases reported since 1981, compared with 33 percent for Hispanics and 18 percent for white non-Hispanics.

In Broward, the figures are white non-Hispanics, 50 percent; blacks, 42 percent; and Hispanics, 8 percent.

In previous years, many of the testing-day activities were primarily at health clinics or areas popular with gay white males, like South Beach. This year, Miami-Dade and Broward health departments teamed with community organizations that work with HIV patients to set up additional sites, particularly in black communities. About 40 additional volunteers from the community agencies were trained to administer tests, said Chrystal McDonald, a program specialist with Miami-Dade's health department.

"This year we made sure all areas were covered. Something is going on in each part of the county," McDonald said.

One of the artists performing in Liberty City will be Midnight, a rapper known for throwing condoms into the audience during stage performances. The message he hopes to convey, he said, "You don't have to have sex to show that you're cool. You're cool if you use your mind."

Also this year, at least 10 churches in Miami-Dade and Broward with predominantly black congregations will offer HIV tests during Sunday services. This is a significant step in AIDS outreach because black churches largely have ignored the epidemic.

In Broward, workers will be at Ebenezer Baptist in Hallandale and Mount Olive Baptist in Fort Lauderdale to administer tests. Geneva McCrae, an outreach worker who will counsel test takers at Mount Olive, said her work is a part of ministry.

"Anything that concerns the health and well-being of the community is the business of the church," McCrae said. "Churches are getting involved. It's been difficult, but it's coming along."

TESTING DAY ACTIVITIES

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Testing Day is Sunday, but activities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties span six days in hopes of increasing the number of people who know their HIV status. Here are some of the scheduled events:

TODAY

North Dade -- Locktowns Community Mental Health Center trailer, 16555 NW 26th Ave., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. HIV counseling and testing services, outreach, refreshments. Call Sandy Odusanyo, 305-626-2964.

Homestead/Florida City -- Neighborhood Service Center, 1600 NW Sixth Ct., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Counseling, testing, health fair and lunch. Call Millie, 305-242-0051.

FRIDAY

Little Havana -- La Mia Supermarket, Southwest Eighth Avenue and First Street, noon to 6 p.m. Counseling, testing, presentations and refreshments. Call Kira Villamizar, 305-377-5022.

South Miami -- A tent pitched at Southwest 59th Place and 64th Street, noon to 8 p.m. Counseling and testing, information tables. Call Kalenthia Nunnally, 305-638-6329.

SATURDAY

Liberty City -- Liberty Mart, Northwest 79th Street and 27th Avenue, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Counseling, testing, performances by R&B and rap artists, refreshments. Call Chrystal McDonald, 305-377-5022.

South Beach -- Lincoln Road Mall, Lincoln

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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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