Chandria Collins administers an HIV/AIDS test to the Rev. Derrick Hills, pastor of St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, La., during a testing program sponsored by the Louisiana Conference. Courtesy Betty Backstrom

United Methodists focus
on HIV/AIDS

While the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa and other developing nations grows, many people in the United States continue to face the disease and struggle with its effects. They find information and support through the ministries of The United Methodist Church.

Information and tests
Churches in Baton Rouge hosted free HIV/AIDS testing on Aug. 29. The pilot event was the first in a series of programs to increase awareness of the HIV/AIDS problem in the state. More testing is planned for June 2010.

"Baton Rouge is ranked third in the nation for new cases and New Orleans is second," said Margaret Johnson, chairperson of the Global Health Initiative in the Lousiana Conference. Her team spearheaded the ecumenical effort. "Through this pilot, we were able to offer free HIV/AIDS testing to the public as well as offering counseling and educational materials."

The Conference Vision Team sponsored the testing program in response to the denomination-wide focus on eliminating diseases of poverty "and the fact that Louisiana is ranked eighth among states in number of cases of HIV/AIDS," said Johnson.

Experts speculate that multiple factors may contribute to the higher rate of cases throughout Southern states, including lack of access to health services, poverty and the continuing stigma of being identified as HIV-positive. The states also have a higher incidence of other sexually transmitted diseases, increasing the likelihood of HIV transmission.

"Louisiana is ranked number one in the nation in cases of syphilis, and number one in congenital syphilis," said Johnson.

Seven churches were test sites in August. In each, the pastor was the first to be tested, setting an example for others.

"It was important for pastors to show their willingness to be tested so that others may realize that fear or shame shouldn't stand in the way of saving your life, or the lives of others," said the Rev. Derrick Hills, pastor of St. Mark United Methodist Church.

The simplicity of the test amazed the Rev. Hawley Wolfe, pastor of Broadmoor Presbyterian Church. "The test is not a difficult thing, just an oral swab," he said. "I was struck by how painless the whole process was. Everybody should take the test to protect the public health."

"We were very pleased to work with the churches on this important initiative," said Eugene Collins with the Louisiana Department of Public Health. "Only 10 percent of the population of Baton Rouge has been tested. Sadly, people just don't want to know whether or not they are HIV-positive. They are afraid of the repercussions."

"Lack of education is a problem," Collins added. "An important thing that came from this project was increased public awareness" through the distribution of information at testing sites and citywide coverage of a press conference held at First United Methodist Church.

Johnson says planning is underway for events that will take place on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day. Local congregatons are being encouraged to organize and particpate in ecumenical or interfaith events in their communities.

Summer camp supports women
In 2008, Suttle Lake United Methodist Camp in Sisters, Ore., hosted the 2Women of Wisdom& camp for women with HIV/AIDS.

Campers relaxed for two days, swimming and tubing, doing crafts and sitting around a campfire. The experience was a sharp contrast to their daily lives. For many of the women, the HIV diagnosis guaranteed life in poverty. Medications can cost as much as $20,000 per year. Many of the campers are single parents, struggling and jobless, living on government assistance while confronting their illness.

"Amanda" was one of the campers. A 26-year-old recovering meth addict, Amanda learned that she was HIV-positive after undergoing routine blood work while pregnant.

Amanda and her young son are both on antiretroviral medication.

She must administer her son's medication every two hours, making for sleepless nights. The side effects of the drugs are hard on the child, who is in pain, spits up and has trouble sleeping.

"Women of Wisdom" camp provided Amanda with a brief respite as other campers helped care for her son and let her rest.

Plans are underway to hold another "Women of Wisdom" camp in 2010 if enough funds can be raised.

Information provided by Betty Backstrom, communications specialist,
Louisiana Conference, and the Oregon-Idaho United Methodist Online.

Support the Global AIDS Fund
To support the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund, you can contribute through any local United Methodist Church or send gifts to UMCOR Advance #982345 Global AIDS Fund, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068. You may also call (800) 554-8583 to make a credit card donation or donate online at www.umglobalaidsfund.org.

World AIDS Day
Resources for United Methodist churches to use for observing World AIDS Day on or around Dec. 1 are on the Web sites of the General Board of Church and Society, www.umc-gbcs.org, General Board of Global Ministries, www.gbgm-umc.org, and the General Board of Discipleship, www.gbod.org. On all, search for World AIDS Day.