Washington, U.S.A. — The Catholic HIV/AIDS Network (CHAN), Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic Medical Mission Board, and the Office of African American Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), will convene a Catholic Pre-Conference on HIV and AIDS at the Catholic University of America on July 21st and 22nd.

This event immediately precedes the International AIDS Conference, July 22nd – 27th, in Washington, DC. People engaged in Catholic Church-related programs responding to HIV in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin and North America are expected to attend.

Participants will discuss findings of a recent survey conducted by CHAN, which assessed the engagement of Catholic organizations in The Global Plan towards Elimination of New HIV Infections in Children by 2015 and Keeping their Mothers Alive. The survey findings will be released at the conference, demonstrating the high level of involvement of Catholic organizations in AIDS reduction and prevention programs and the desire among such organizations to increase contributions to The Global Plan going forward.

“This study demonstrates the strong commitment of Catholic Church-related organizations to defend and protect human life, especially among the most poor and vulnerable, including women and children living with or affected by HIV, ” said Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo, Special Advisor on HIV/AIDS for Caritas Internationalis.

“The Global Plan seeks involvement from religious organizations to encourage early testing and treatment for pregnant women living with HIV and their children. The study findings also indicate challenges that must be confronted by governments and churches alike in efforts to reach the goal of zero new infections among children by 2015 and of keeping HIV+ mothers alive and healthy.”

In June 2011, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) launched The Global Plan in response to a global increase in cases of perinatal (mother-to-child) transmissions of HIV. Focusing on 22 priority countries, the plan includes a detailed timetable for action at the community, national, regional and global levels.

In addition to discussing new ways of engaging with The Global Plan, Pre-Conference participants will attend a series of interactive workshops and plenary sessions on topics such as: Faith, Spirituality and Pastoral Care in the midst of HIV, Person-Center Responses to the HIV Pandemic, and Different Strategies for Different Cultures.

Image Courtesy of  Catholic Charities USA

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Alexandria, U.S.A. – Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) and its agencies are preparing for Tropical Storm Debby, which has impacted much of Florida, and could move in two directions—along the southern coast of the US or northward across Georgia. Catholic Charities USA is ready to help respond to flash floods and spinoff tornadoes in these areas and is currently in coordination with Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida.

Additionally, Catholic Charities USA is providing timely assistance to several regions that are currently suffering from flooding and wildfires. Severe thunderstorms hit areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin on June 18th, causing extreme flooding. Catholic Charities USA’s disaster response team is coordinating with the Catholic Office of Concern for the Diocese of Duluth, MN and Catholic Charities Bureau of Superior, Wisconsin to reduce the damage. Catholic Charities USA is also active in Colorado, where intense wildfires have been growing since June 10th.

“Our Catholic Charities agencies have been active in assisting disaster situations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado, and we are monitoring and preparing to respond to any damage Tropical Storm Debby may cause. As always, the need for funding support is imminent,” said Rev. Larry Snyder, President of CCUSA.  “With the summer hurricane season beginning, we are hopeful that our cities, coasts and residents are unaffected, but we stand ready to provide immediate and long-term help if needed.”

To help support disaster victims, individuals can visit the Catholic Charities USA disaster donation webpage. Individuals can also contribute from a mobile device by visiting the mobile website and clicking on the homepage banner to access the donation app.

Catholic Charities USA’s members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrated its centennial anniversary.

Image Courtesy of  Daniel Cima/American Red Cross

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