May 26, 2011

An estimated 1.1 million people are living with HIV, but 1 in 5 does not know they are infected and more than half of American adults, ages 18-64 have never been tested. Faith and community–based organizations play a significant role in reducing health disparities and help work to solve some of our most complex health challenges, including HIV/AIDS. Through the first ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy, President Obama has charged the federal Centers for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships to actively engage faith communities to end the stigma that surrounds HIV/AIDS and promote prevention and testing.

To address these issues, the HHS Partnership Center and White House Office for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships are hosting an evening webcast, live from the White House. This event provides a great opportunity for your congregation or community organization to host a watch party and join in the discussion on preventing and responding to HIV/AIDS in our communities, and supporting individuals living with HIV and AIDS.

Prominent faith leaders and White House officials will discuss the importance of ending stigma around this disease, promoting prevention and early treatment, and increasing the number of people in communities who KNOW their status by being tested. Early testing and diagnosis is a key to prevention.

Due to the nature of the webcast, there will not be an opportunity to ask questions during the discussion. If you have a question for a member of the panel, please email Partnerships@hhs.gov by 12:00pm on Thursday, May 26, 2011. Be sure to include, your name, organization and location.

We hope you and your congregations will be able to join us for this important webcast discussion.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

5:00pm - 6:00pm

Panelists:

Joshua DuBois
Executive Director, White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

Chantelle Britton-Faison
Office of National AIDS Policy

Rev. Edwin Sanders
Senior Servant and Founder, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church in Nashville, Tennessee

Pernessa C. Seele
CEO and Founder, Balm in Gilead, Inc

Phillip Thomason
Minister of Outreach and Pastoral Care, Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA

To View Webcast: http://whitehouse.gov/live

For listen in only, please use the information provided below.

Phone: 800-369-1709
Passcode: 3058216

Click here

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