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Hastings hosts HIV/AIDS forum |
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Written by JESSICA LAMAR
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 For the past 15 years HIV and AIDS have been the leading cause of death among African Americans between ages 25 and 44, and blacks are affected by the disease seven times more than whites, according to Thomas Liberti, chief of the Florida Bureau of HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis.
These alarming statistics prompted U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings to host an HIV and AIDS forum July 28 at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, where Liberti also spoke.
“This state has become a nesting ground for this disease,” Hastings told the crowd.
Local politicians in attendance included Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle, Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Christine Teel and Oakland Park Mayor Larry Gierer.
Hastings informed participants about the raging debate among politicians over whether to reduce funds for programs that provide care for HIV/AIDS infected individuals.
Another concern is the number of ex-convicts who are spreading HIV/AIDS within the community after getting infected in jail. The goal is to provide voluntary testing before releasing inmates, he said.
The group received compelling testimony from Felicia White, 42, a guest speaker who has been HIV-positive for 17 years.
She recounted her feeling of deep depression upon getting the results of the HIV test as an expectant mother. Although she could not see how to overcome this challenge, she knew she had to for the sake of her child.
“It wasn’t just about me. I had a responsibility. I was a mom,” White said.
The Rev. Rosalind Osgood, a forum speaker and member of the clergy at the New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, challenged those of faith to refrain from hypocrisy and discuss the disease, which infects people in churches today.
Osgood described the programs offered at Mount Olive for those who are HIV positive, including those geared to promoting home ownership.
The church has even extended its benevolence to those who are living with the disease in Kenya.
At 88, Miriam Schuler is an advocate of getting tested. She was the voice for senior citizens at the forum. For ten years, she has been a volunteer at the Health Department helping with the Senior HIV Intervention Program (SHIP).
“I think testing is so important,” Schuler said. At the Health Department, Schuler passes out condoms to senior citizens.
Hastings said he expects the community to marshal its resources effectively to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS.
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Photo by Sayre Berman. Alcee Hastings
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