There will be free testing, screenings and other activities.
What: The Health Equity Unit of Austin Public Health is sponsoring the 19th Annual Citywide worship service in observance of The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. There will be free HIV/STI testing, blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, and eye exams. Other health and medical service providers in the community will also attend, with resources such as free eye exams.
When: Thursday, March 7, 2019:
Reception at 6:00 pm; Worship Service at 7:00 pm
Where: Freedom Home Baptist Church, 3405 Oak Springs Road, Austin Texas 78721
Who: The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is a national effort by various faith-based entities, local churches, AIDS collaborative groups, and other partners to engage the Black/African American community to get tested, get involved, get treated, and get educated about HIV/AIDS. The focus is on decreasing the impact of HIV/AIDS in our community by mobilizing and educating faith communities to take an even greater role in implementing AIDS education and services within local faith communities and across the nation. Activities are aimed at promoting greater awareness of the importance of knowing your HIV status and other health concerns.
Why: Chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS continue to affect our communities at an alarming rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2017 Blacks/African American accounted for 13% of the population but 43% of new HIV diagnoses. Black women have always had the highest rate among all women: 59% of women living with HIV are Black. Early detection and prevention can enhance the quality of life and extend the lives of people of color in our community.
Additional activities:
- Daily noon prayer: Mon. – Fri., Mar. 4 – 8, Greater Love Baptist Church, 6601 Manor Road, Austin, 78723
- Red Ribbon Sunday (March 3): local churches will remember those individuals we have lost to HIV/AIDS and support those who are still living with HIV/AIDS.
Sponsors: City of Austin, Austin Public Health/ Health Equity and Community Engagement Unit, Freedom Home Baptist Church, and Greater Love Baptist Church
For more information on The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, call Deborah Duncan at 512-972-5409 or Cynthia Washington at 512-972-5059.