‘Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS’ Puts Epidemic ‘In Spotlight,’ Editorial Says
The 15th Annual Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS "puts the spotlight on the crisis and encourages African Americans in particular to become advocates for prevention and treatment," a Kansas City Star editorial says (Kansas City Star, 3/9). The Week of Prayer, which began on Sunday, seeks to mobilize the black religious community to become involved in combating the disease through workshops, prayer vigils and health screenings. The event is sponsored by The Balm in Gilead, a not-for-profit organization aimed at curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS in the black community by encouraging churches and faith-based groups to provide education and support networks for all people living with and affected by the disease (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 3/8). Black men and women account for more than 50% of newly reported HIV cases in the United States each year -- "another reason the battle against AIDS should be a top national priority," the editorial continues. The Star concludes that the Week of Prayer "asks black churches to lead the crusade against AIDS in their communities," and "[g]iven the African-American church's historic role in social movements, that's an effective place to start" (Kansas City Star, 3/9).
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.