A Campaign designed to educate, elevate and activate faith-based communities who are working to reduce the rate of new HIV infections among at-risk communities of color

Introduction

African Americans continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS in the U.S. African Americans represent 13% of the U.S. population, but represent 50% of newly diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS. The Black church has effectively engaged in community mobilization efforts to combat the social and economic disenfranchisement of Black people. The Black church has also been successful in developing health promotion programs in the Black community. Our organization, within the last three years has partnered with faith-based institutions in the Black community to stem the tide of HIV/AIDS.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this campaign are 1. to facilitate greater HIV/AIDS education within the Black community, 2. to promote prevention of HIV and linkage into care for HIV infected individuals, and 3. to encourage HIV testing.

Methodology

In this example, Our organization partnered with a national Pharmaceutical company to initiate an award winning web-based campaign in 2006,. Utilizing the model of community mobilization, we sought out faith-based organizations to form partnerships with. We also partnered with local health departments and CBOs.

Results

From 2006 through 2008, the campaign successfully partnered with 33 churches in 11 cities in the U.S. The campaign reached 170,000 individuals for HIV/AIDS education and/or testing. Since 2006, the campaign has tested 30,000 individuals and identified 1,100 HIV positive individuals.

Conclusions

The campaign, in partnership with faith-based organizations and other public/private partners has developed a successful model which can be replicated throughout the U.S.