February is Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
Today is February 1st the start of Black History Month and also the start of Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Month. This month is set aside to celebrate the history of African American contributions to this country and to also address another serious concern to blacks, HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS has impacted our life’s in one way or the other rather it be a family member or close friend, or the town gossip of somebody who is suspected to have the disease. During the Month of February and the early part of March let us find ways to combat stigma and educate the people about HIV/AIDS in the African American Community.
Here is a fact that many may not know: Blacks account for 13% of the US population but account for 53% of all new HIV infections according to the CDC. To me as a young black male that number is alarming because that means there are people out there that don’t know they are living with HIV. The question maybe asked “Why aren’t these people getting tested?” The answers vary, but the number one thing is stigma. Stigma from peers, from uneducated people, doctors, churches, places of business and the number one enemy the media. There is nothing more nerve wrecking then taking an HIV test and waiting for the results, but to add insult to injury is when you have stigma going on top of nerves. During these next six weeks let’s reflect on how we can empower the black community to get tested and inspire others to test.
2010 Angel Tree program a success, thanks to Whirlpool employees
Whirlpool Angels who made pick-up day a cinch: Michelle Bowie, Milissa Gomez and Mary Beth Waning. Photo by Matthew Bradley.
Once again, Whirlpool employees have generously donated time, talent, funds and gifts to brighten the holidays for 33 CARES clients and their families. 62 children will be receiving gifts in 2010.
Mary Beth Waning coordinated the event at Whirlpool this year, with the Whirlpool PRIDE Network and the Whirlpool Young Professional Network.
Fundraising began with Blue Jean Fridays in September, when Whirlpool employees donated one dollar to wear jeans to work on Fridays. This effort, sponsored by the Whirlpool PRIDE Network, raised $1,624 for the Angel Tree program. During the first week of December, the Whirlpool Young Professional Network held a bake sale which raised another $1,200.
In November, each Benton Harbor/St. Joseph-area Whirlpool facility put up holiday trees with anonymous Angel ornaments for each child participating in the program. The ornaments listed the gender and age of each child, as well as any wished-for or needed items. Employees were able to choose an ornament and shop for that child.
The bitter cold and swirling snows of Monday, December 13th found members of both the Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor CARES staff working alongside Whirlpool’s Michelle Bowie, Milissa Gomez and Mary Beth Waning to get the gifts loaded and ready for distribution.
Our staff is especially grateful for Whirlpool’s continuing support of our clients and our mission. Please check out our website, www.caresswm.org in the coming days to see stories in our blogging section, sharing how the Angel Tree program touches the lives of some of the families we serve.
Happy Holidays!
CARES’ Willie Mitchell honored by local sorority
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.
