Based on information from 2005-2006 Bexar County Community Plan; Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe and Wilson counties have an estimated 4,008 people affected with HIV/AIDS. Of this population, 52 percent are Hispanic, 40 percent Caucasian, 6 percent Black and 2 percent ‘Other’. The community affected by HIV/AIDS is 61 percent Hispanic, 23 percent Caucasian, and 16 percent Black.

As part of their mission to educate the community, San Antonio Fighting Back, Inc. (SAFB) formed the New West Weed & Seed HIV/AIDS/Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness Coalition.  This faith-based coalition works to mobilize churches (especially African American and Hispanic) to raise the awareness level of congregations, the community at large and those at-risk about issues related to HIV/AIDS and substance abuse through training, informational materials, educational events and HIV screening.

 
From L to R: Ray Lopez, Rev. Kevin Love, Gloria Sterling-McGill, Dr. Bryan Alsip, Rev. Al Blue, and Linda Tippins

Bexar County Commissioner‘s presents Proclamation

SAFB scheduled a press conference and free HIV testing on June 27th, National HIV Testing Day, to announce the formation of the Coalition.  As a result of this announcement the Bexar County Commissioner’s Court presented a proclamation to SAFB recognizing June 27th as National HIV Testing Day and welcoming the new Coalition to the community.  Commissioner Adkisson said, “I would regret as a Commissioner if I did not do something.  We must not be a ‘Late to Care’ County and I challenge all citizens of Bexar County to take the HIV Test and know your status.”

During the press conference, Bryan J. Alsip, Assistant Director for Clinical and Population-Based Services from San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, presented a proclamation from Major Phil Hardberger and the City of San Antonio . In addition, Brad Mayhar, Outreach Coordinator for United States Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, presented a certificate recognizing SAFB and the new Coalition’s service to the community.   Both were accepted by Linda Tippins, SAFB Executive Vice-President and Gloria Sterling-McGill, Coordinator for NWWS HIV/AIDS/Substance Abuse Prevention & Awareness Coalition.

Representatives from community churches and non-profit agencies including Macedonia Baptist, New Life Christian Fellowship, San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department, BEAT AIDS, San Antonio Aids Foundation, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Project SPARC, San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Mujeres Unidas, and Our Lady of the Lake University are just a few who participated in the event.

Brad Mayhar presents a certificate from Congress Ciro Rodriguez’s office.

The next project for the New Coalition will be an HIV/AIDS and health awareness mini-conference set for September 15th.  For more information please contact SAFB at 271-7232.