Since 2003 EMG Health Communications, a not-for profit organization with a 501©(3) designation, reaches out to faith-based leaders through its HIV/AIDS educational program whose goal is to serve those leaders and their assistants by:

• providing them with culturally-sensitive information and resources to respond to HIV/AIDS inquiries from their congregants
• assisting their members through case management and referrals
• helping the community navigate the health care system with confidence
• strengthening skill-building capacities of faith-based leaders from all denominations to ensure they are well-equipped with the basic and updated HIV/AIDS information from the pipeline
• gradually opening up the door to greater acceptance of AIDS within the church

While focusing on the above tasks during the year, it also became imperative to organize an annual educational forum whereas most leaders will have the opportunity to discuss their basic needs to outreach their community in addition to identifying the specific tools necessary to conduct non-threatening, positive and formative AIDS education within their place of worship.

EDUCATIONAL FORUM: Held in mid-summer, this event attracts approximately two hundred (200) leaders of the faith-based community leaders, most of which have their church in Brooklyn, New York.  The target group comes primarily from the Haitian Clergy Association with a membership of five hundred members.  For several years, EMG Health Communications has made it its prerogative to attend the monthly clergy meeting held at the church of the Evangelical Crusade of Sinners of Men located in Flatbush, New York.  Although they are some young pastors in attendance, the majority are men in their sixties.    They are regarded as the elders and are highly respected by all in the community.  At the meeting, the Clergy also welcomes visitors to speak on a specific topic or made a community announcement.

HISTORY: This activity began with a partnership agreement reached between EMG Health and CCHER [Center for Community Health, Education and Research] based in Boston, MA.  CCHER Regional Director, Dr. Eustache Jean-Louis coordinated the introduction of the “ “                                                             of Atlanta, Georgia, under the leadership of Monica       PhD and Pastor.  This initial conference was held for two (2) days at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, a partner of EMG Health Communications.   Subsequent to this meeting, the target group has been meeting for the past five years, in another highly convenient place named CNR [Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation].

PROGRAM DELIVERY: The agenda calls for a full day of workshops ranging from presentations on HIV prevention and mental health issues to at risk-youth behaviors and AIDS stigma.  The topics of discussion vary from year to year.   Ninety-five (95%) of participants return each year as there are different exposes well presented by local field experts and other interesting discussions that ensue from the topics of discussion.   Break-out sessions occur and yield optimum results due to an active participation.   Dr. Joseph Paul, a well-versed physician with in-depth cultural skills and working with different ethnic groups, is the official medical advisor of HIV/AIDS Program.

At the end of the day, a survey questionnaire is distributed and collected.  This is a very important and critical tool in the evaluation process as it allows our program administration to review and perhaps make changes for future improvement.  The feedback is generally positive.  Respondents state that the time allotted for each presentation is nearly perfect.  There is ample time for questions and answers and most interestingly are the free breakfast, lunch and souvenirs that are provided.   At the end of the day, every participant receives a certificate of attendance.

SUSTAINABILITY: Based on the numbers we continually see growing and the new eye-opening this program has created amongst spiritual leaders, we deduce that the program is well accepted and highly successful.   The HIV/AIDS Program receives meager donations from the community.   The annual forum is only supported by a small funding from pharmaceutical agencies and in-kind donation i.e. logistics from local vendors.