Indiana Minority Health Coalition Seeks Public Participation to Raise Awareness About HIV/AIDS in Minority Communities in Indiana

April is the national designated month for Minority Health. In recognition of this month, the Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC) — the state’s leading minority health research and community care agency — will offer several educational and advocacy activities under this year's health initiative focus of HIV/AIDS.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) April 1, 2006 -- April is the national designated month for Minority Health. In recognition of this month, the Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC) — the state’s leading minority health research and community care agency — will offer several educational and advocacy activities under this year's health initiative focus of HIV/AIDS.

The agency is seeking participation from communities across the state to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS and its impact on Indiana residents.

The agency is requesting interested individuals and groups to engage in advocacy and action days around the state to support the creation of “The HIV Gap Fund.” The HIV Gap Fund will provide individuals with resource to help obtain their medication if they are faced with shortfalls in insurance, co-pays, spend downs or lack of social services.

The activities, including town hall meetings and special outreach programs, will culminate with a rally and march from Monument Circle in Indianapolis to the Indiana State House, at 1 p.m. on April 19.

Then on April 20, IMHC will present its 12th annual initiative luncheon, "Think Global Act Local: a focus on HIV/AIDS,” on April 20 at The Westin Hotel, in downtown Indianapolis, from 11 am – 2 pm. The luncheon will feature keynote speaker David R. Williams.

Williams is Harold W. Cruse Collegiate Professor of Sociology, Senior Research Scientist at the Institute for Social Research, and Faculty Associate in the Center of Afro-American and African Studies at the University of Michigan. His research has focused on social influences on health and he is centrally interested in the trends and determinants of socioeconomic and racial differences in mental and physical health.

Additionally, LaToya Rogers, a Gary teen, will share her experiences living with HIV since birth.

"IMHC is dedicated to closing the gap in health care in our communities. We are rallying to save the lives of our loved ones, neighbors and co-workers. The HIV/AIDS education and advocacy activities from now through April are just our way of bringing awareness about this health epidemic and the action needed to prolong life right here in Indiana,” said IMHC CEO and President Nancy Jewell.

For more information on how to participate in IMHC’s Call to Action: HIV/AIDS Awareness Days, call 1-877-367-4642.

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