Convergence: Biomedical, Behavioral, Faith, and Community

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new data highlighting the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis in Black communities across the globe.  This persistent crisis exists in spite of tremendous scientific advances and against a backdrop of complacency and a belief that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is over.  The tragedy is, while we might be able to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in some communities, other communities risk being left behind because of lack of awareness, understanding, and resources needed to mount an effective fight.

The Black AIDS Institute (BAI), in partnership with UNAIDS, PEPFAR, the Black Treatment Advocates Network of Chicago (BTAN), Howard Brown Health, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Southside Help Center, University Church of Chicago, and other organizations in the city are sponsoring three events in Chicago with Dr. Deborah Birx, Ambassador at Large and U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, on October 19^th and 20th, 2016. Dr. Birx leads all U.S. Government International HIV/AIDS efforts, including overseeing the implementation of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the largest commitment by any nation to combat a single disease in history, and all U.S. Government engagement with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

A Community Science and Empowerment Forum designed to bring the latest information from the recent 2016 International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa to Black Communities in Chicago will be held from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the University Church of Chicago.  A reception for Ambassador Birx and a roundtable discussion, moderated by Jesse Milan, Jr., Interim President of AIDS United, with the Ambassador; U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL); Rev. Charles Straight, Pastor of Faith United Methodist Church; Dr. Sharron Jenkins, Perdue University Northwest; Rae Lewis Thornton, HIV/AIDS Advocate; and other Chicago based leaders to talk about the role of faith, clergy, and church in addressing the Global epidemic.  A discussion on how Faith Based Organizations can expedite the UNAIDS fast track city program will follow the Empowerment Form.  The events of the week will conclude with a tour of the new Howard Brown Health 63^rd St. and a discussion focusing on stigma and local efforts to address the epidemic in communities most impacted. 

Wednesday, October 19, 2016, 9am-3pm
AIDS 2016: Chicago
Community Science Empowerment
University Church of Chicago
5655 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
Register: www.blackaids2016chicago.eventbrite.com

Wednesday, October 19, 2016, 4-7pm
Reception and Roundtable Discussion with Ambassador Deborah Birx
University Church of Chicago
5655 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
RSVP: www.BTANchicagofaith.eventbrite.com

Thursday, October 20, 2016, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Mitigating Stigma to Fight HIV/AIDS: Discussion with Ambassador Birx
Howard Brown Health 63^rd St.
641 W. 63^rd Street, Chicago, IL 60622
Community participation in any or all of these events will help enhance efforts to reengage and expand community efforts to mobilize a response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic that will make sure no one, and no community is left behind.  To RSVP, or for more information, please contact Ulysses Burley at [email protected] or (713)449-0922.

SOURCE Black AIDS Institute

Related Links

http://www.blackaids.org