Understanding
HIV and AIDS

HIV and Our Community

"Pastors need to lead their congregations from a hushed whisper coming from fear, to a loud shout from the rooftop that the Lord came to bring comfort to all who mourn, all who are lost, all who are 'diseased.'"

-- Reverend Dr. Tina T. Saxon

SINCE 1981
MORE THAN 225,000
BLACK AMERICANS HAVE BEEN
DIAGNOSED WITH AIDS

Black people must come together to deal with HIV in our community. We have to act now so our community will remain safe and healthy for generations to come.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is Lord,
       and the people whom He has chosen
       for His own inheritance."

     -- Psalms 33:12

HIV is not a death sentence or punishment of an individual by God.  HIV is no individual's fault.

What matters most is how we respond to the people in our community who are affected by HIV. We must use our vision and strength to stop the spread of HIV in our community and support people who are infected with the virus.

HIV remains a challenge to Black Churches.  This disease will be difficult to overcome. It will command the most precious resources the Church can afford.

The Facts about HIV

"While attending a college and serving as an associate minister, I tested positive for the virus. Upon hearing the news about my status, my faith in God gave me peace, hope, and love despite the ups and downs that come with this disease."

-- Pastor Glen Cambell

What Are HIV and AIDS?

The word HIV stands for "Human Immunodeficiency Virus."  The virus damages the body's immune system; then the person has AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

How Do People Get Infected with HIV?

HIV is spread from person to person by direct contact of infected blood or body sexual fluids with the bloodstream or genitals of another person.  Most people get infected through sharing needles or unprotected sex with someone who is infected.

Women infected with HIV may pass the virus to infants when a baby is born or breast-fed.

For more information (with details some may find offensive) see HIV InSite at the University of California at San Francisco.

"Wisdom is the principal thing;
    therefore get wisdom; and with all
    thy getting get understanding."

 -- Proverbs 4:7

How Can I Protect Myself and Others?

We cannot talk about HIV without talking about sex.  Abstinence is one of the best ways to prevent HIV infection. For people who are sexually active, using latex condoms is the best way to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

We cannot talk about HIV without talking about intravenous drugs. To kill HIV, injection needles and equipment are cleaned with bleach and rinsed with water.  These simple steps have helped many substance users avoid HIV infection.

We cannot talk about HIV without talking about alcohol, marijuana ("pot"), crack, and other non-intravenous drugs. No, you can't get HIV from drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana or crack, etc. -- but all 'recreational' drug use weakens the immune system and reduces awareness, caution, and judgment.

"I was raised to believe that God was a punishing God.  So I stayed away from the Church because I had AIDS.  I was afraid.  Over time, I found out that God wasn't a punishing God.  All I'm trying to do is help myself.  And I need all the help I can get to cope with this disease."

-- Mitchell, recovering addict

What is the HIV Test?

The HIV test tells if you are infected with the virus.  This test measures particular "antibodies".  These are made by your body after it is exposed to HIV.

The HIV test cannot detect minute traces of antibodies. After a person becomes infected, s/he will probably test negative for about six months.  In other words, if you had unprotected sex or shared needles with someone three months ago, you can get an HIV test and it will probably show no infection even if you are infected. To be sure, you must be tested more than six months after the 'at risk' behavior.

In many areas, the HIV test is available for free or low cost at test sites.  If you get an anonymous test, only you will know the test result.

Call 1-888-422-8669 for testing information.

HIV test kits are available over the counter at many pharmacies, for about $50. You can take a blood sample in the privacy of your own home and mail it to a processing center without giving your name or return address.  You get the results by calling a toll-free number and providing an identification number.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
        Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution,
        or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"

     -- Romans 8:35

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN
THAT RATES OF HIV
AMONG BLACK PEOPLE
ARE 5 TO 7 TIMES HIGHER
THAN RATES OF HIV
AMONG WHITE PEOPLE.

Can You Get HIV from Hugging or Kissing Someone?

HIV is not spread by saliva, tears, sweat, or urine. Don't worry about holding hands, hugging, kissing, sharing forks or spoons, or using public restrooms.  You can't get HIV that way.

HIV Treatment

"I've been working with HIV-positive Black people since the beginning of the epidemic.  In those early years when treatment options were limited, I saw many Black people die.  I comforted them the best I could.  Today, I'm grateful that we have medicines to help people stay healthy and live longer."

-- Dr. John Rich

How Can HIV Be Treated?

Treatments are now available to help people with HIV.  These treatments work for most people, whether they are Black or White, men or women.

The best way to treat HIV is with a combination of drugs that is sometimes called the "HIV cocktail."  People often have to take 10 or more pills, spread out at different times of the day. All HIV medicines can have side effects.

"And we know that all things work together
      for the good of them that love God,
      to those who are called according to His purpose."

   -- Romans 8:28

But the treatments we have now don't cure HIV.  And there's no vaccine to keep people from getting infected.

People with HIV can infect others, even if they are on treatment and feeling well. So it is still important to be very careful -- practice safer sex, and don't share needles.

In Massachusetts everyone can get care.  Free care is available at community health centers with ACT NOW clinics.  You can call 1-888-422-8669 toll-free for more information about ACT NOW clinics and access to HIV medicines.

HIV Care and Support

"After seeing many friends die, I've come to understand how important it is to stay connected even if you relapse.  Unconditional love is hard to give and sometimes even harder to accept.  Nonjudgmental care and respect go a long way."

-- John Cromwell, Community Health Educator

Good health involves every part of us -- our body, mind, and soul.  To stay well as individuals and as a community, we need each other's support.

Talk with your doctor regularly about your health concerns.  If you don't have a doctor, try to find one you can trust.  Your community health center may be able to help you.

"Be alert, stand firm in the faith,
      be brave, be strong.
      Do all your work in love."

   -- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

If you are living with HIV
let your pastor know.
Listen with an open heart.
Offer support.
Ask for help.

Show you care by taking action.  Many community centers and churches have programs to serve all people affected by HIV.

If your church already offers a support group or other services, you can volunteer to help.  Call the Who Touched Me Ministry in Massachusetts at 617-450-1646 for information about programs in your area.

Talking about HIV

"My family has been impacted by AIDS in a large way.  I have three teenage sons and a daughter in her early  so's.  My wife and I spend a great deal of time educating them about AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, and other health issues."

-- Pastor Leroy Irvin

Many Christians take the route of abstinence.  Others may be sexually active now or have been in the past.

Today, sexually active people must take the opportunity to talk with their partners about HIV.  Talking honestly about possible risk and exposure shows that you truly respect your partner.

Talking with the young people in your life might be embarrassing and difficult, but it's worth the effort.

"The law of the Lord is perfect:
      It gives new strength.
      The commandments of the Lord
      are trustworthy, giving
      wisdom to those who lack it."

   -- Psalms 19:7

Youth today know about HIV but often are unsure of the risks.  Encourage them to talk with you about abstinence, sex and drug use.  Try to be open and provide good information so they can rely on you.

You can help them find accurate information.  You can also refer them to workshops offered by the church, community, or other groups.

For questions or confidential support call toll-free AIDS Action Hotline at 1-888-422-8669 (or 1-800-235-2331 in Massachusetts) or in Massachusetts call the Youth Only Hotline toll-free at 1-800-788-1234.  They take calls from everyone, and talk about all aspects of HIV. (These numbers cannot be dialed from the Dallas-Fort Worth area).

The Who Touched Me Ministry

"Being part of a church that gives love, support, and encouragement has helped me stay healthy, centered, and at peace."

-- Belynda Dunn, Who Touched Me Ministry

The Who Touched Me Ministry is a group of God-inspired people of all races and denominations.  We have come together to reach out to the churches in our community.

Our goal is to provide these services:

• Education to the churches in our community

• Events to raise community awareness about HIV

• Meetings of ministers to explore concerns about HIV in the Black community

"She touched His cloak,
      and her bleeding stopped at once;
      and she had a feeling inside
      that she was healed of all her trouble.
      At once Jesus knew that power had gone out of Him
      so He turned around in the crowd and asked
            'Who touched Me?'"

   -- Mark 5:29-30

• Training of volunteers and peer educators

• Finding prayer partners for people living with HIV who are homebound, hospitalized, or living in hospices

The Who Touched Me Ministry is a Certified partner of The Balm In Gilead, which is based in New York City.

To contact the Who Touched Me Ministry, call 617-450-1646 (Massachusetts).

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area contact the AIDS Interfaith Ministry at 214-941-7696.