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NEW CDC HIV-TESTING GUIDELINES

 

In May, 2006, The Centers for Disease Control announced new HIV testing guidelines.  Essentially reversing course on previous guidelines that targeted testing campaigns to high-risk groups, the new guidelines are asking medical providers to offer HIV tests to all people between the ages of 13 and 64. 

 

Here at the Mosaic Initiative, we applaud these new guidelines.  With transmission rates on the rise again in this country, and exploding in many parts of the world despite effective treatment programs, it is increasingly clear that prevention is our greatest weapon in stopping the spread of HIV.  Knowing one’s status is an essential part of prevention. 

 

But much more must also happen.  The stigma and shame that often is attached with an HIV diagnosis must also change.  It is our belief that these new guidelines create an opportunity for community dialog and action to raise awareness, to change the stigma, and to influence current prevention education programs to be more fact-based.  Our work with local churches, colleges, and other networks reflect our commitment in seeing this happen.  As an Anglican priest sermonized in rural Kenya in 2005, we are in a war against AIDS.  It is an enemy that we did not choose, but that chose us.  We must use ALL the weapons at our disposal to fight this disease.  Comprehensive community-wide testing is a great place to start on a new course.

 

 

  

 

2006 EVENTS!

 

 

World AIDS Day Prayer Breakfast

Friday, December 1, 2006

 

Since the very first World AIDS Day in 1988, the world has witnessed dramatic, fantastic and tragic changes in HIV.  Effective treatments have been developed, innovative prevention campaigns have been created, and community groups that were long-silent on the impact of HIV/AIDS in the world have become active players.  At the same time, HIV has continued to spread at alarming rates, and deep divisions exist among the communities impacted by HIV/AIDS as well as among those responding to HIV/AIDS. But here in our DuPage/Kane County region, partnerships and friendships have emerged to transcend these divisions.

 

On December 1, 2006, The Mosaic Initiative is hosting its inaugural World AIDS Day Prayer Breakfast to celebrate and honor these efforts and to invite others to join the fight.  Stories will be shared by people Dan Pallotta, Founder of the AIDSRides and the Breast Cancer Walks that have raised millions of dollars and changed countless lives, and Ruth Bell Olsson, from Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids who has worked in HIV services in Western Michigan, as well as overseas.  Each of these speakers is changing the world in their commitment to end HIV.  The Wheaton Academy Kantorei Vocal Ensemble will provide music for the event.  In bringing reality to what had not been thought possible, the Prayer Breakfast will be send a message of hope, and a message that together we can accomplish amazing things.

Speakers' Biography <<click here>>

To become a Church Sponsor <<click here>>

To Become a Business Sponsor <<click here>>

Individual Sponsors <<click here>>

Please review the Invitation and the response card

For further information about the World AIDS Day Prayer Breakfast, please contact Cathy Hetrick at cathy@mosaicinitiative.org or Brad Ogilvie at brad@mosaicinitiative.org or  contact our office at 630-665-5194.

Creating Hope & Opportunity Inter-faith Ride

(C.H.O.I.R.)

Saturday, October 21, 2006

 

The C.H.O.I.R. Bike Ride, scheduled for October 21, 2006, is hosted by St. Paul Lutheran Church, 515 S. Wheaton Ave. Wheaton, IL. All proceeds will benefit The Mosaic Initiative’s local scholarships for people disabled by HIV/AIDS, local education and advocacy and the Buchifi Community Center (in Kenya) Orphan Meal Program. To register your youth group, to see how your business or church can sponsor the event, or for more information, please contact Cathy Hetrick at Cathy@mosaicinitiative.org

 Download flyer

 Pastoral HIV Training

Saturday, September 30, 2006

 

 

Since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS pandemic churches have played a vital role in molding the community response to HIV/AIDS.  Over the past few years, as the face of HIV/AIDS has changed, increasing numbers of congregations are getting involved.  Our goal is to support the development of inter-faith messages that can enhance the collective efforts of all that is happening both in and from this community. 

 

The purpose of the workshop is to have pastors and other church leaders create messages that transcend the traditional geographical borders, looking both within their congregations and into the greater community both here and internationally, in spreading a message of hope and the importance of prevention.  Since 2002, people from around the world have stepped up in a big way in working to get treatment to people with HIV/AIDS.  Now, four years later, 2 million people have access to treatment.  This is to be celebrated, but over that same time, 16 million people around the world have become infected.  No community can sustain this trend.  We hope that this workshop will help all people to integrate a strong message of prevention in their work and lives.

 

Registration for the workshop is free, and can be done the day of the event.  To register for the event or for more information, contact Brad Ogilvie at Brad@mosaicinitiative.org.

 

 

 

Know Your Status:  Don’t Get it! Don’t Spread It!

Fall 2006

 

For more information on how to establish your own message of prevention for your business, church or school, please contact Brad Ogilvie at Brad@mosaicinitiative.org

 

 

 

Please contact us for more information.




  |   Contact Information 102 NORTH CROSS STREET #4B, WHEATON, IL 60187    630.665.5194 Copyright 2006 Mosaic Initiative - All Rights Reserved.