On Saturday August 13th, 2011, the staff at EMG Health Communications was proud to host its 8th Annual Capacity Skill-building workshop-conference and to welcome once again faith-based leaders and their associates from the tri-State area.

In an effort to expand its AIDS education audience, EMG Health extended for the first time its borders to the Dominican Republic and greeted a delegation of women that had expressed their interest in participating as well.  Our island sisters came under the auspices of *REDOVIH. They work with infected and affected women and men in Santo Domingo.  They arrived in New York the night before to take part in this educational forum.  This was their first visit in the Big Apple.  Two other pastors from Haiti also joined this forum.

The purpose of this annual event is to provide faith leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to address HIV/AIDS ongoing challenges in their place of worship and communities.  With a focus on communication and training needs of each ministry, this program serves as a platform to reach out to other individuals in leadership position that could substantially contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS.  This method of learning has the benefit to strengthen leader’s capacities to better assist their congregants in finding the resources they need i.e. referrals to HIV testing sites, social services and medical care as necessary.

Founded in 1998, EMG Health Communications, a not-for-profit organization, is fortunate to have gained the trust and support of the Association of Haitian Clergy of New York, and to have established, over the years, an excellent working relationship with more than two-hundred (200) faith-based leaders in the Haitian community. [Actually, our free Parent-Training Program is based at a church site in Southeast Queens].  We are grateful to the patriarch of the Haitian Clergy, the honorable Pastor Dr. Phillius Nicolas and to the president, vice president and treasurer of the Clergy:  Reverends Drs. Luc Pierre and Luckner Lorient, Pastor Calixte Augustin respectively for allowing us to share our expertise with their church assemblies.

Outreaching, counseling and monthly presentations are some of the services from the HIV/AIDS Program that EMG Health provides weekly to five (5) churches.  This is made possible through the generosity of Dr. Kesley Dalmacy and a handful of supporters.  Because this program is NOT funded, EMG Health is unable to work with more churches at this time.  The mid-Summer conference is inclusive of the current program, and everyone from all denominations, including voodooist is invited to attend.  EMG Health says with confidence that there is no other comparable program available or identifiable to date.

We would like to thank everyone who willingly participated and remained steadfast for the entire day.  We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation (CNR) for allowing us to use for the 6th time, its spacious, air-conditioned and well-equipped computerized atrium.  CNR was the first nursing home in New York City to adopt the "neighborhood" concept, setting new standards for person-directed care and giving residents greater independence in matters of daily living. Located in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, the Center offers community services such as an Adult Day Health Care, Long Term Home Health Care and HIV/AIDS Home Care. It partners with the internationally-renowned Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) to provide music therapy as part of its rehabilitation services. Visit them at www.cnr.org

We also like to thank our speakers Drs. Marie-Antoinette Bernard and Mona Pervil-Ulysse and Ms. Marie M. Martial, MSW for their valuable time and their culturally-sensitive and outstanding presentations. While Dr. Bernard discussed the pathophysiology of HIV diseases indicative of AIDS and Antiretroviral Therapy, Ms. Martial clearly outlined the AIDS statistics of Brooklyn adding that the infection does not discriminate in our community.  The focus was not on one’s ethnicity but rather on what one does to get infected.  Dr. Mona Pervil-Ulysse, a rheumatologist, gave an interesting lecture on Sarcoidosis in Blacks, a fairly common disease involving the immune system besides Hepatitis C (Hep C) and HIV.

We also acknowledge the contributions of educational brochures and give-aways from SUNY Downstate and Kings County Hospital Center (KCHC), handed out to participants throughout the day.  Mr. Alexander Nweji MPH/MCHES, a long-time supporter and Coordinating Manager at KCHC brought greetings from KCHC’s leader Mr. Antonio D. Martin.  Mr. Nweji also gave some wise advises to the participants.

We thank Michael Valentin and Régi Cadet of tibotec for covering part of the expenses of a hot, delicious multi-cultural ‘Fusion” lunch which came directly from the kitchen of Jamaica Grill under the golden hands of Dawn, the manager.  The icy cake we had for desert was offered by Mme. Clervoix Georges, owner of Le Bon Pain in Queens.

A special meritorious plaque was bestowed on the following people:

• Pastor Jean-Joseph Ernst Germain in appreciation to his unconditional commitment and regular participation in the annual HIV/AIDS Capacity Skill-Building for faith-based leaders and to;
• Pastor Bernadette Lamour for her commitment in reaching out to the faith-based community of New York/New Jersey/Connecticut and ensure that all leaders are educated on the AIDS disease.

In the afternoon, we engaged participants in a lively debate following their responses to an exercise on “Lessons Learned” throughout the years of us educating them.  The preliminary findings are interesting.   Final results will soon be posted.

A highly dedicated team of volunteers made this day possible:  our talented and knowledgeable MC Magda Guillaume, Julienne and Morgane from France, Ginette Petersburg, Father Luxy Claude, our young photograph Jérémy Gaetjens, the International AIDS Prevention Initiative (IAPI), author Jacques Rateau, singer/entertainer Jocelyne Dorismé-Clermont, community-activist Pastor Daniel Ulysse and last but not least, the staff at EMG Health Communications.

Our next summer conference program is scheduled for August 12, 2012.  Something unprecedented will occur:  Two pastors will be invited to give a 10 minute-presentation about their experience with HIV/AIDS within their place of worship and their community.  Pastor René Pierrot already committed to bringing members of his Church Youth Ministry to participate.

*REDOVIH - Dominican Network of People Living with HIV