Dozens of ministers from across the country on Monday in New York City gathered with representatives from the National Medical Association, the Congressional Black Caucus and other groups to develop a plan for addressing HIV/AIDS in the black community, USA Today reports.
During the two-day meeting, convened by the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, participants will discuss recommendations from NMA -- which includes about 30,000 black doctors and in August declared HIV/AIDS among blacks a public health emergency -- for fighting the epidemic in the U.S.The conference also aims to educate pastors about how they can combat HIV/AIDS in their communities, such as providing information about the disease and building relationships with social service agencies that can assist members living with the disease.
Bishop T.D. Jakes of the Dallas-based Potter's House church, who is co-chairing the meeting, said the conference also will demonstrate to 2008 presidential candidates the importance of reaching out to black congregations and supporting HIV/AIDS research and education.
Source-Kaiser Family Foundation
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