|
|
Abstract
HIV/AIDS care in faith-based institutions
J E Murray, M A Lanier
Philadelphia FIGHT, Philadelphia, United States
Issues:
Are faith-based institutions responding to the challenges of HIV/AIDS and disseminating related information and resources? Can these institutions begin or continue to de-stigmatize HIV/AIDS within their communities?
Description:
We will explore the faith-based initiative begun at Philadelphia FIGHT this past spring 2001. The education and care outreach programs have begun to reach out to area faith-based institutions. Care Outreach is a new program designed to link HIV positive individuals into HIV primary care regardless of their ability to pay. Our goal in partnering with these institutions is to provide a wide range of services.
Our message has been very clear: We as an HIV/AIDS service provider have an abundance of up to date information and resources. Also, we do not have a script for integrating these services into faith-based Institutions. By linking with the faith-based leaders and coming up with unique ways of addressing these issues within each individual institutuion we can adequately begin to engage the epidemic within this population.
Lessons learned:
By being open with our message and beliefs that faith-based institutions can play an important role in providing up to date and non-judgemental HIV/AIDS related information and resources, we have been well received within these institutions. Some of the faith-based institutions that we have begun to work with have begun some type of HIV/AIDS ministry .
Recommendations:
It is important for more partnerships between AIDS Service Organizations and faith-based Institutions to happen soon. We know that these institutions are the back-bone of the African-American and Latino communities. Since this epidemic is spreading rapidly within these populations, having these institutions dissmenating up to date HIV/AIDS information and resources is important and life sustaining.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
F12310
Suggested Citation
" J E Murray, et al.
HIV/AIDS care in faith-based institutions
.
Print Only:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
F12310"
|
|
|