Awareness Lunch and Learn to focus on HIV/AIDS

Debbie Hansley realized she fell into a population group - black, single, female - at risk of contracting HIV.

The Kempsville resident retired from the U.S. Marine Corps, earned a master's degree from George Washington University and, in 1997, began an event-planning and consulting firm.

Hansley Enterprises coordinates myriad events, including an annual My Sisters' Love Conference, which focuses on empowering black women. The event always features health issues, and she noticed an increased interest in HIV and AIDS.

"I realized people wanted to know more about this issue because of the questions they were asking," she said.

Hansley planned the first HIV/AIDS Awareness Lunch and Learn for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Hilton Garden Inn. The $25 attendance fee includes lunch; registration deadline is Wednesday.

Black and Hispanic women and teens are in high-risk categories, she said.

"People should know more about the disease and the treatment - know what it is, how to protect and prevent. Some people don't know they have it," said Hansley, who invited a panel of experts to talk on the subject.

One of them is Ann Verdine-Lewis, director of education for the Tidewater AIDS Community Taskforce.

"Knowing your status in the number one thing. We service persons infected and affected with the disease," she said of her organization's work.

Mostly funded through grants and donations, the community-based center in Norfolk assists abou t 800 people, offering AIDS education, resources, risk reduction programs, support groups and other services. Free confidential HIV testing is offered on site or taken to the person requesting the test.

According to Verdine-Lewis, many people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are living longer due to the availability of new medications. Bu t the disease has slipped from "the top of the radar," she added.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for black women ages 25 to 34 and men ages 35 to 44. Blacks make up about half of all people living with the disease in the United States.

Gastroenterologist Robin Corbett, who treats many patients with HIV/AIDS, will discuss how easily the virus is transmitted.

Corbett said all types of people are affected by the disease, but a shift in demographics makes it a big concern for black females.

"Minority women are the highest-rising population for new infections across the country," said Verdine-Lewis.

"It's the disease of people who look just like you and me," added Corbett.

Cindy Butler Focke, butler496@aol.com