Test Out and Gospel Shout Out Choir Competition on World AIDS Day
The Greater Westside Development Corporation, NFP Increases AIDS Awareness Among Chicago's African-American Communit
Chicago (PRWEB) October 14, 2005
December 1st is nationally observed as World Aids Day, a day dedicated to raising HIV and AIDS awareness across the country. This year, The Greater Westside Development Corporation, NFP will take a devoted stand to fight against the spread of the deadly disease, especially though out Chicago’s African-American communities.
“We’re urging all to get tested!” states Beverly Donnelly, director of the Greater Westside Development Corporation, “We’re trying to save lives!” From 9:30 a. m. – 2:30 p. m. on Thursday, December 1st, various testing locations will be set up though out Chicago’s Westside. “In our city alone, African Americans account for 57% of the people living with HIV and AIDS,” explains Donnelly, “The statistics are horrifying. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is definitely a visible problem, but also a preventable one. As a community organization we feel responsible to bring forth awareness by providing free testing and resourceful materials.”
That evening, the Gospel SHOUT OUT Choir Competition will wrap up World AIDS Day. Ten local church choirs will be selected to compete for an opportunity to win cash prizes. “It is extremely important for us to involve the faith based community,” Donnelly adds. “Several ministers and community leaders are involved in this crusade to stop the spread of the disease.” The World Aids Day Gospel Shout Out, scheduled from 6:00 p. m. to 10:00 p. m., will be held in the auditorium of John Marshall Metro high School located at 3250 W. Adams Street in Chicago. Admission for this worthy and much needed cause is FREE!
Sponsors for the Gospel Shout Out include Wal-Greens, State of Illinois Health Department, City of Chicago Health Department and Amerigroup Foundation. Co-Host organizations are Beauty for Ashes Ministry, Sankofa, Inc., Working for Togetherness, Prevention Partnership, Inc. Westide HIV Ministry, WHARP, AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Let’s Talk Let’s Test Foundation. The Ecumenical Committee for the events are Pastor Ira J. Acree (Greater St. Johns Holiness Church), U. S. Senator Barack Obama, U. S. Congressman Danny K. Davis, State Senator Rev. James T. Meeks, State Representative Constance Howard, Robin Robinson, (WFLD-TV), Dr. Lisa Henry-Reid (John H. Stroger Hospital), Pastor Derrick Fitzpatrick (Stone Temple M. B. Church), Dr. William Johnson (Luck Care Center) and Rev. Alberta Ware (Balm in Gilead). The public can show their support for the GWDC by purchasing tickets to the Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic game November 29. Visit www. afterphivechicago. com for details.
Greater Westside Development Corporation is a not-for-profit community based program organized in 1981 providing Economic Community Development to the constituents of the Lawndale Community Area. It has since grown to now provide services in the areas of HIV/AIDS that are comprehensively and culturally diverse to the West and South side of Chicago.
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