Members of the Black Faith-based Health Initiative (BFHI) presented and participated in the 16th Texas HIV/STD Conference.  This year's conference ran during the period of May 18-22, 2008 and was held at the Renaissance Austin Hotel at the Arboretum, Austin, Texas.  This annual conference is designed for HIV/STD health professionals serving Texans living with and affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

This opportunity is just one of the ways the members of the BFHI Board of Directors keep up their skill sets and enhance their knowledge of how to help Texans prevent HIV and STD infections.  The Black Faith-based Health Initiative thanks the State of Texas and all of the conference supporters for making this opportunity possible for all public health workers in Texas.

For more information on the conference, click on the following link:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/hivstd/conference/2008/

The City of Austin issues a proclamation recognizing the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS.  This annual event is the flagship event sponsored by the Black Faith-based Health Initiative and brings together community leaders, pastors, health agencies, non-profit groups and citizens from all over the greater Austin metropolitan area. (March 2006)

Pictured (from left to right): Austin Mayor Will Wynn, Pastors Raymond Bryant, Kennedy Young, Assistant Director of the Austin Health Department Shannon Jones (speaking), Pastors Roy Jones, Isaac Grant, Marcus Freeman and City Manager Toby Futrell. 

What Would Jesus Do 
About HIV?
The Black Church Week of Prayer
for the Healing of AIDS

We have all seen bracelets, t-shirts and other walking billboards proclaiming the initials, "WWJD" - a reference to the phrase "What would Jesus do?" It reminds us as people of faith that we have an anointing and an obligation on our lives to follow the example of our Lord and Saviour. When He met downtrodden people, He encouraged them. When He met the sick, He healed them. When He encountered any situationin which chaos was present, He got involved and made a difference. Chaos in the form of HIV /AIDS is ravaging the lives of African Americans all over the United States. If Jesus had a chance to participate in the fight against HIV, would he consider the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS? Would you follow His example? 

The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is an internationally celebrated week in which churches all over the United States (and in several African communities) come together for prayer services, workshops, marches, community health fairs and other upbeat activities to highlight the fight against HIV and AIDS in black communities.

This year's activities took place in a celebration service at David Chapel on March 7, 2008 at 6:30 PM. The keynote speaker was Dr. Debbie Hagins of Atlanta, Georgia, a physician and minister who specializes in public health and the HIV crisis in the African American community. Dr. Hagins is a dynamic speaker who moves people to action and brings healing and encouragement to those suffering from the devastation of AIDS. The Black Faith-based Health Initiative (BFHI) is the the Austin sponsor of the local celebration.  Dr. Hagins gave a stirring presentation to 225 people in attendance and everyone presented deemed the evening a rousing success!

Here is some information to ponder as we move into the remainder of the year. It would be nice to say we are winning the fight but unfortunately, we are losing the battle at an alarming rate. The number of black women who are contracting HIV every day is outrageous, and yet the majority of our community seems to be unaware of what is happening. Right here in Austin / Travis County, black women make up nearly half of all new HIV cases! When African Americans are only 9% of the population in the greater Austin area, how can this be possible?

If Jesus were walking the streets of Austin today, do you think He would be concerned about what is happening in the black community? Would the woman He met at Starbucks today (modern day water well) be black?  Join us in the fight against HIV, AIDs and other serious health disparities. The Black Faith-based Health Initiative welcomes the participation of your church or community organization.  Come join us!

BFHI founder Sam Price presents HIV Awareness Training at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in Pflugerville, Texas.  St. Mary is led by Pastor Richard Coaxum.