In observance of World AIDS Day, CARES’ Willie Mitchell and Susan Florian will be on the Brenda Layne Radio Show (94.9 FM, 1400 AM) this Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  We’ll be discussing World AIDS Day, CARES 25th Anniversary and how volunteers can make a difference.  Thanks to Brenda Layne and WSJM for helping us increase HIV/AIDS awareness in Berrien County!

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Willie Mitchell, CARES Prevention Specialist, is one of 12 men who will receive Alpha Kappa Alpha’s “Salute to Excellence – Honoring African-American Men in the Community” Award on Saturday, December 4th at 4:00 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 600 Donald Adkins Dr. in Benton Harbor. 

“Mitch” is being recognized by the Iota Iota Omega Chapter of AKA for his commitment to educating and informing the community about HIV/AIDS. 

A “meet and greet” with the 12 honorees will follow at the church.  After the ceremony, there will be information-sharing about health concerns that affect the black community.

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In commemoration of World AIDS Day, a community-wide free HIV testing event will be held on Wednesday, December 1st at The OutCenter, located at 132 Water Street, downtown Benton Harbor from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.  This event is co-sponsored by CARES, the Berrien County Health Department and The OutCenter.  It’s an opportunity to “GET TESTED and KNOW YOUR STATUS.”

Everyone is encouraged to join us to get tested, or to affirm their support for the prevention of HIV in our communities, and for those already affected.

December 1st is recognized globally as World AIDS Day.  HIV/AIDS continue to wreak havoc on lives in epidemic proportions not only universally, but also within the community of Berrien County.  According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, there are approximately 290 people in Berrien County who are infected with HIV/AIDS, and Berrien has the 3rd highest prevalence rate of HIV in the State of Michigan.

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