Pastors Encouraged to Address HIV/AIDS During Black History

According to the South Mississippi AIDS Task Force, Mississippi ranks 10th in the nation among states with the highest number of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases.
They say of the newly diagnosed cases, African Americans are a higher percentage than other groups. They’re taking Black History Month to spread awareness. SMATF has reached out to more than 70 churches across the Coast with predominately African American congregations asking them to dedicate one Sunday in February to address HIV/AIDS.
SMATF Interim Executive Director Tracey Mitchell said, “Just yesterday I spoke with somebody that had a family member, 24-years-old, and the 24-year-old passed away and nobody knew that they had AIDS. Well the reason why nobody knew was just because that person had that stigma that ‘if I tell my family that I had AIDS, nobody would have anything to do with me’ and they pretty much shunned them and turned their backs on them. I think if we can get past that and help our communities to understand that it’s ok to say that you have it and move forward and get help. That would be the best step in the right direction.”
For more information on HIV and AIDS in South Mississippi and how you can help out call 228-385-1214.