University News Desk

Morgan State University, in partnership with Baltimore City churches, is spearheading a campaign again this year to encourage and empower African-Americans to become better informed about HIV/AIDS. Sunday, October 14, 2001, has been designated "HIV/AIDS Sunday" in Baltimore.

"This is a disease that continues to devastate our community and it is 100% preventable with education and lifestyle changes," according to Dr. Rena G. Boss-Victoria, director of Center for HIV Prevention at Morgan State University. "We cannot afford to become complacent about this disease because even though we have made some progress in treatments available, too many people are still dying."

This is the second year for the HIV/AIDS Sunday partnership between Morgan and the faith community. It is a day set aside to reach out to people in a massive campaign to promote awareness of the disease. Ministers in Baltimore area churches will participate in several ways, according to Dr. Jay Carrington Chunn, Morgan State University associate vice president for Academic Affairs.

"We are encouraging all faiths to become involved, to talk with their congregations about preventive measures, the importance of screening, testing and medical care," said Dr. Chunn, noting that ministers will accomplish that goal in many different ways. "Last year, we had one pastor to actually take the HIV test in front of his congregation on that Sunday morning, while others said special prayers at the altars."

This year's activities include a special citywide ecumenical prayer service for all AIDS victims and their families as well as for those currently living with the disease. The service will be held at the New Shiloh Baptist Church, 2100 N. Monroe Street on Sunday, October 14, at 6:00 PM. In addition, free screenings are being provided at many area churches this year and the University of Maryland Institute of Virology is making additional screening and treatment available at no cost to anyone who is tested on Sunday October 14th and receives a positive result for HIV/AIDS.