In observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2008, Bethany Baptist Church will host an informational program on HIV/AIDS at the church, 149 Beattie Street, Syracuse, on Thursday, February 7, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Individual risk assessments and free Anonymous HIV testing will be available during the event.  Rapid testing technology will enable test counselors to provide pre-and post-test counseling and deliver test results within about 20 minutes to anyone who chooses to be tested.

The Bethany program will feature two short documentaries on HIV/AIDS in Central New York, and a panel including consumers and providers of HIV/AIDS services in the community.  The panel will be moderated by George Kilpatrick of WCNY-TV, who produced one of the documentaries being screened.  The audience will be able to pose questions of the panel and learn about the challenges facing those living with HIV/AIDS in our community.

The event is a collaboration of Bethany Baptist Church, the Central New York HIV CARE Network, and the New York State Department of Health Anonymous HIV Testing Program.  For additional information, contact the Network at 472-8099.  Those unable to attend the Bethany event can arrange for HIV testing at other times and locations by calling the NYS DOH Anonymous Testing Program at 1-800-562-9423.