Ethical and spiritual values, as well as social responsibility, compel me to call attention to an epidemic that is wreaking havoc in communities across this country and around the world. Although the HIV/AIDS epidemic affects everyone, it is having a particularly devastating impact on communities of color and for individuals living in poverty.


Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that nearly half (46 percent) of the new cases of HIV/AIDS are African-Americans. Of the new cases reported, more than 70 percent are caused by individuals who do not know their HIV status.

A recent report titled "Passing the Test: The Challenges and Opportunities of HIV Testing in Black America" identifies four factors that hinder progress in controlling the disease. Those factors include: the stigma of being harmed if test results are positive; testing as a part of medical exams is not routine; the continued requirement of written consent in many states; and the failure of effective marketing efforts to promote testing.

Starting today -- World AIDS Day -- and ending Sunday, Dec. 6, every person in Augusta will have multiple opportunities to become educated regarding this issue; to show support for individuals who have HIV or AIDS; and to be an advocate for addressing this public health concern. I encourage everyone to participate in activities that have been planned by a diverse group of organizations to promote HIV prevention in Augusta.

As academics, advocates and good neighbors, I hope that we will all do our parts personally and professionally to eradicate this horrific disease in our community. A call to action includes educating oneself, protecting yourself and praying for all who have been touched by HIV/AIDS.

I join with all leaders who understand how important it is to raise awareness about this disease and to support prevention efforts.

Knowing your HIV status is a right and responsibility. Knowing your partner's HIV status can save your life. I have been tested. Have you?

Dr. George C. Bradley

Augusta

(This was featured in the Augusta Chronicle)

http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/12/01/let_557619.shtml

(AUGUSTA, GA)– Paine College will host a World AIDS Day program and candlelight walk on Tuesday, December 1 2009, at 6 p.m. in the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel. The program will be hosted by Selina Soul of 96.3 KISS FM. The program will also feature performances by Angelic Dance Team from Jenkins White Charter Elementary School.  Following the program, a candlelight vigil and walk will take place on the Paine College campus.

The Paine College and CSRA Community will engage in events throughout the week to bring awareness about the AIDS epidemic. Miss and Mr. Paine College will present “The Power of No” play at 8 p.m. and an encore presentation will be given on December 2, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Tabernacle Baptist Church Family Life Center.  Events for the week will be held at various locations. Please see schedule of events for more details.

Schedule of Events

December 1
WORLDAIDS DAY CEREMONY
Richmond County Health Dept.
St.Paul Episcopal Church
605 Reynolds Street
12:00 pm

CANDLELIGHT WALK
Augusta World AIDS Day Committee
Paine College
1235 15thStreet
6:00 pm

“THE POWER OF NO” PLAY
Augusta World AIDS Day Committee
Miss and Mr. Paine College
Paine College
1235 15thSt.
8:00 pm

FREE RAPID HIV TESTING
MCG Ryan White Outreach Team
Aiken Center
1105 Gregg Hwy Aiken, SC
Call 803/649-1900 ext. 0 for appt.
2:00-7:00 pm

December 2
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Eisenhower Army Medical Center (Fort Gordon)
Fort Gordon
300 Hospital Road
6:00-9:00

GIRLS NIGHT OUT
“Light the Night in Red”
Augusta World AIDS Day Committee
Macedonia Baptist Church
1828 Wrightsboro Rd.
6:30 pm

Encore Presentation of
“THE POWER OF NO” PLAY
Augusta World AIDS Day Committee
Miss and Mr. Paine College
Tabernacle Baptist Church
Family Life Center
1223 Laney Walker Blvd
6:30 pm

December 4
1stFRIDAY HIV INFORMATION SHARING
Augusta World AIDS Day Committee
Augusta Commons
836 Reynolds St.
4:00 pm

FREE RAPID HIV TESTING
MCG Ryan White Outreach Team
Pyramid Music
824 Broad Street
4:00-8:00 pm

RED RIBBON BALL
St. Stephens Ministries
Marion Hatcher Center
519 Greene Street
7:00 pm

December 5
FREE RAPID HIV TESTING
MCG Ryan White Outreach Team
Pyramid Music
1647 Gordon Hwy
1:00-2:30 pm

BALLIN’FOR A CAUSE
HIV/AIDS Awareness Basketball Game
Augusta World AIDS Day Committee
Lucy C. Laney Gymnasium
1339 Laney Walker Blvd
3:00 pm

December 6
WORLD AIDS DAY WORSHIP SERVICE
Richmond County Health Dept.
St. Marks United Methodist Church
1296 Marks Church Rd.
11:00 am
For more information
706-993-5206 or arfreeman@mcg.edu

For more information contact Natasha Carter, Director of Public Relations at (706) 396-7591.