Event offers gospel music, health screenings

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November 13, 2008

Greater Shiloh pastor concerned about HIV, AIDS

BY MARY WICOFF The Commercial-News Thu Nov 13, 2008, 09:40 PM CST

DANVILLE — Greater Shiloh Baptist Church will celebrate Thanksgiving with a meal and music Sunday. But the celebration will have a more serious side, as well — making people aware of the danger of the HIV virus and AIDS.

“If I see a problem, our duty as a church is to take a strong look at it and make a difference,” said the Rev. U. Pete Williams, pastor, explaining why he added the HIV awareness component this year.

The church has presented a gospel concert — this year, featuring three groups — for several years.

But this is the first year for the serious side — presenting information about HIV and AIDS, as well as testimony and screening for the virus. Other health tests will be offered, too, including blood pressure checks.

Doctors and nurses are expected to be present to screen for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and hold private consultations.

The day will start with services at 10:30 a.m. at the church, followed by a Thanksgiving meal with turkey and all the side dishes about 1 p.m. The meal is open to anyone, but Williams said the church especially is targeting homeless people who might enjoy a family-type atmosphere.

Information about HIV will be available all day; a mobile unit and screenings will be available from noon to 2 p.m.

The event is co-sponsored by the Illinois Department of Health, Center for Minority Services.

The concert will start at 3:30 p.m., featuring the Fantastic Jones Family of Springfield, Gospel Soul Revivers of Rock Island and the Joyful Heirs of Union, Miss.

The local group, Phaze II, led by Aaron Forman, will open the show.

There is no admission charge for the concert.

As for the issue of HIV/AIDS, Williams said, “The African-American community is becoming a statistical bombshell when it comes to HIV and AIDS.”

Sunday’s event will give him a vehicle to get the word out to young people about the dangers of risky behavior. The event also will clear up people’s misconceptions about how the virus is contracted and passed on.

According to state statistics since 1999, more than 9,000 African-Americans have been diagnosed with the HIV virus; 8,000 are still alive. Most of the cases occur between ages 20 and 24.

For Vermilion County, there were 70 cumulative HIV non-AIDS cases reported since 1999; 66 people continue to live with the virus. The county’s rate is 147 cases per 100,000 people, while Champaign County’s is 169.

The county numbers are not broken down by gender or race.

COMING UP

The fifth annual Gospel Soul Harvest Thanksgiving Celebration will be Sunday at Greater Shiloh Baptist Church, 609 N. Bowman. Church services are at 10:30 a.m.; the meal starts about 1 p.m.; HIV-prevention information will be available all day; HIV screening and health tests, noon to 2 p.m.; and a free concert featuring three out-of-town groups, 3:30 p.m.

For transportation, call the church at 446-5502 before 6 p.m. Saturday and leave your name, address and phone number.

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