How many times have you been around someone who volunteers information about their blood sugar or diabetes diagnosis? It might be at a church supper or when you’re out to dinner and someone skips dessert that they state, “I avoid sugar because of my diabetes.” There’s no shame is such an admission. It is simply a medical fact for many people.

Charles Humphries reflects on the recent meeting of Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church, as well as the recent AIDS Walk in Miami.

The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is a call to prayer for the eradication of HIV and AIDS through prayer, education, advocacy and service.

Health officials say 1 out of 3 Gaston (NC) girls pregnant before age 20. The community is encouraging churches to be involved in educating youth about teen pregnancy and disease prevention.

This year's theme is Latinos Unite! Let's Stay Healthy! Get Tested for HIV! Please consider how your parish can participate in this important event.

September 18th is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day. Here are some resources to help you address this increasingly at-risk population.

Larry Nance reflects on a series of articles about AIDS in the African-American community.

Daniel Hoffman reflects on a recent visit with the group Positive Living of Indiana. Despite the pressing local needs of the participants, the group seeks ways to connect with others, even internationally. In a key segment, Makazi speaks about opening up her home to homeless HIV persons (in Africa) and describes how there is always a person sleeping on the sofa. One participant from Indianapolis’ inner city exclaimed: “That is just how it is with us!”

Daniel Hoffman comments on the importance of using proper language when discussing HIV and AIDS. In addition to his comments, he links to a valuable resource referencing proper terminology.

Bruce Garner reflects on his daily routine living with HIV:

The day begins for me with the downing of fourteen pills representing eleven different medications. It is a reminder that I live each day infected with HIV. After the usual activities of teeth brushing, shaving and showering, comes time for food. Four other medications (six pills) are to be taken with food. So I eat something. Yet every meal also requires a dozen (12) pills of yet another medication in order to properly digest food.

Betsy Bowman passed away on April 5. She was active in encouraging The Episcopal Church's Older Adult Ministries Task Force to include HIV/AIDS. Here is her last blog post discussing her work.

This sermon was delivered at the closing worship at the March 2011 meeting of the NEAC Board of Directors by Bruce Garner.