LCC and the NC Department of Health and Human Services holds workshop On Faith and The AIDS Community

Lenoir Community College and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health HIV/STD Prevention and Care Branch recently held a faith summit entitled “Bring Faith to the Aids Community” in the LCC Waller Auditorium.

The purpose of the summits is to increase public awareness of HIV/AIDS/STD with the emphasis on partnerships within the faith and public human services communities.

The goal is to create with in the faith community an environment of openness and support for individuals, families, and caregivers affected by HIV/AIDS.

"I was impressed with the professionalism by all the individuals at LCC. They really helped to put on a first class workshop at no cost to the participants," said Director Cheryl Gill.

Also, two women who have been diagnosed with HIV spoke to the crowd that included several pastors and church leaders. Their personal stories were the highlight of this informative workshop. Their struggles and how AIDS has effected every avenue of their lives held the attention of the audience. They also spoke about the power of case management in helping them to meet their daily needs.

Information was provided regarding Lenoir County and how it has the highest rate of HIV clients in the eastern part of the state. Also, that North Carolina is six in the nation for HIV infected individuals. The message was clear that AIDS is 100 percent preventable and that more education needs to be done in our area and churches need to help get the word out to their members.

"This workshop was really needed as we start to feel the effects of NC Mental Health Reform, which is looking to the community to step in and offer services that are being reduced or phased out in the next few years," Van Meir said. "I am glad that we (LCC) as an institution of learning is being proactive on these kind of issues and that our students are being exposed to the real concerns that as Human Service Professionals they will be dealing with on a daily basis.”

LCC Vice President of Instruction and Student Services Dr. Shirley Dove welcomes students to a workshop On Faith and The AIDS Community.