March 2 marked the beginning of the 19th annual Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, reports The Charlotte Observer (charlotte.com, 3/2). The week, sponsored by not-for-profit community health group The Balm In Gilead, works to bring awareness about HIV/AIDS to the black community and encourage compassion for people living with the virus.

The week highlights the fact that, though black Americans make up only 13 percent of the nation’s population, they account for about half of new HIV infections. Also, as many black Americans live in rural areas, they must rely on community organizations, including churches, to spread lifesaving information.

“The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is an opportunity for all Christians to examine our thoughts and behaviors,” said Bari Tiggett, representative for the Statesville district AME Zion Church. “The black church has the power and the responsibility to change the course of this epidemic. The goal is to provide prayer, leadership, compassion and information to help families in our congregation and community who are facing this disease.”

To learn more about the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, visit www.balmingilead.org.