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AIDS Awareness Efforts Target Black Community
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Abstract
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| As part of local efforts marking National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, volunteers with AIDS Community Resources (ACR) on Friday gathered at Croly and East Fayette streets to talk with Syracuse residents about the disease. The central New Yorkers distributed condoms and informational pamphlets about the virus. In addition, they counseled youth about screening and set up a resource table in front of a nearby grocery store.
“I have a simple story and if sharing it will save lives, then OK,” said Edward Davis, a Brooklyn native who years ago enjoyed a Manhattan life of drug abuse and sex without a thought to consequences. Diagnosed with HIV 15 years ago, Davis decided he had to change his life and has since volunteered with ACR for 14 years.
With assistance from the Central New York HIV Care Network, Chauncey Brown, a pastor at True Vine Baptist Church in Syracuse, sent informational packets to about 75 predominantly black Syracuse-based churches. In each packet, a letter urged pastors and clergy to publicly observe the awareness day during Sunday services. At least 35 said they would use the information.
While historically people with AIDS were rejected by their community, “We think the churches can have an important role in developing compassion,” said Stephen Waldron, coordinator for the network.
In 2006, blacks accounted for just 12 percent of the US population but 46 percent of people living with HIV, according to CDC. In Syracuse that year, black residents had the second-highest number of AIDS diagnoses.
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Source
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| http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard |
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Subjects
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African Americans/Blacks
Community Programs
Condom/Female Condom/Dental Dam Distribution
HIV/AIDS
Information Dissemination
Public Awareness
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Disclaimer: NPIN provides this information as a public service only. The views and information provided about the materials, news, funding opportunities, organizations, and conferences do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, or NPIN.
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cdcnpin.org News Record #54725
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