Los Angeles: Churches Join Effort to Give AIDS Alert

St. Brigid's Catholic Church in South Central Los Angeles was one of more than 40 predominantly black churches in Los Angeles County that commemorated World AIDS Day on Sunday -- some with the message of safe sex, others with abstinence -- offering the patients compassion and mercy.

St. Brigid's commemorated World AIDS Day with free HIV testing offered by the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, and members of the congregation were given red ribbons. "I have anointed people, some priests, some lay people, who have died of this disease," said Father John Harfmann. "It's not a pretty thing to see. When we wear this [ribbon], it's not just a symbol. It means be aware."

The African-American community has been especially hard hit by the epidemic. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, African-Americans, who make up 9.5 percent of the county population, account for 20 percent of the AIDS cases and 34 percent of the pediatric HIV cases. Cynthia Davis, director of the university's HIV Testing and Outreach Project, said the highest HIV rates in her testing project are among Hollywood street youth, where they reach 10 percent, and on "skid row", where they range from 3 percent to 5 percent.

Though St. Brigid's might still be called a black church, about 30 percent of its members are Latino, Harfmann said. Maritza Aguilar, 32, was walking with her two young children on Western Avenue when she saw the free HIV testing. Although she is married, she decided to get tested for the first time. "With husbands, you never know," she said. "Once in a while, it's good to be sure." HIV counselor Madison Brown said those who are tested must return in a week to get the results. Only about half are expected to show up, she said.

St. Brigid's HIV/AIDS ministry also delivers food, companionship and supplies to AIDS patients.

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