December 1, 2023,
is World AIDS Day, a day of remembrance and hope.
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To stop the spread of HIV/AIDS through education and prevention by building an extensive network for excellent health and wellness in the community.
To educate faith leaders about HIV/AIDS and other health issues that affect their communities and build a network for excellent health for all people.
After noticing a limited number of faith leaders involved in HIV/AIDS ministry, Rev. Stan Stephens started West Side Pastors Coalition for AIDS & Inner-City Health in 1995. WSPCA has endeavored for 25 years to provide resources and create linkages between the faith and health communities to end the stigma and spread of HIV/AIDS.
The Coalition believes strongly in education and prevention while increasing compassion and non-judgmental care. We provide resources to pastoral care, support groups, grief counseling and continue to build faith-based health ministries. We also promote faith community involvement in HIV testing.
Other health issues that impact poor communities and are often overlooked include Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Obesity, Stroke and Hypertension. The Coalition supports programs in the community that address these concerns.
Some ways we impact include:
The Annual Back to School Health & Resource Fair targets our youth and promotes HIV awareness with the use of entertainment, refreshments, and speakers providing free school supplies to those in attendance.
Annual Clergy Breakfast brings to together clergy and laypersons, health care professionals, civic leaders, community members, and nonprofit representatives to fellowship in topical discussion around HIV/AIDS. It is held in conjunction with National HIV Testing Day in June each year.
HIV Counseling and Support through our relationship with the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center.
Community Partnerships with West Suburban Medical Center, Loretto Hospital, McCormick Theological Seminary, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Getting to Zero IL, Sinai Health and more!
HIV Testing Resource by providing HIV testing services to the faith community.
Faith Leader Symposiums/Trainings are designed to provide continuing education credits through pastoral education around HIV/AIDS.
WSPCA partnered with West Suburban Medical Center in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing free face masks, hand sanitizer and delicious pre-cooked frozen meals. It was held Saturday, October 17, in the East Parking lot at WSMC. 200 meals were distributed to families in the Austin community.
Getting to Zero Illinois is a state-wide initiative to end the HIV epidemic in the state by 2030.
West Side Pastors' Coalition for AIDS and Inner-City Health is a 501(c)3 tax deductible organization committed to linking the faith community, health care industry, and nonprofit sector in the call to end the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our mission to end the spread of HIV/AIDS in our communities.
Thank you for your generous donations to further our work.
