HIV&AIDS and Motel Ministry Partner

Closing out the month, Saddleback’s HIV&AIDS Initiative partnered with our Motel Church Ministry to address the stigma of HIV and AIDS testing to reach people who may be at risk. Often those most affected by the disease are the ones who have the least access to medical care. Through a partnership with our Motel Ministry, Saddleback’s HIV&AIDS Initiative was able to provide members of the community with free HIV testing. Administered by trained volunteers, this act of compassion was part of the weekly church service available for transitional homeless and working poor.

“HIV testing with the Motel Church Ministry seemed like a natural fit,” says Ashley Eure, HIV&AIDS Initiative Manager. “We were able to bring testing to people who are the least likely to have access to regular medical care and are potentially more vulnerable to HIV.”

Held on July 22 at Evergreen Motel in Anaheim, 80% of those attending the church service underwent HIV testing. This acceptance rate was nothing short of miraculous, especially as the first HIV testing event hosted in partnership with the motel outreach. By tangibly demonstrating the love of Christ, the ministry teams could share knowledge about HIV prevention and resources to people living in transitional housing. Most importantly, they were able to communicate that it’s not a sin to be sick and that an illness is not your identity.

According to the CDC, an estimated 1.1 million people are currently living with HIV in the United States alone, including 166,000 people who don’t realize they are infected. Thirty percent of new HIV infections are transmitted by people who are living with undiagnosed HIV. For this population group, testing is the first step in adjusting behaviors to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce the spread of HIV.

Unfortunately, there is often fear and stigma surrounding the mere testing for HIV—regardless of a negative or positive result. To be tested can often feel like admitting to wrongdoing or that a personal violation has happened in someone’s own life. Despite these fears, nearly every person who attended the Motel Ministry event accepted the invitation to be tested for HIV.

In fact, participants expressed relief at having caring ministry members come alongside them during the testing process, to support them while awaiting results. During the message, one member who had been living with HIV for years, explained the benefits of knowing your HIV status. His testimony helped reduce the stigma of testing and increase confidence in taking the first step.

After the success of this first testing event, both Saddleback ministries plan to offer future testing at this same location, as well at a motel in Tustin.

To help combat the spread of HIV through awareness and testing, visit http://www.hivaidsinitiative.com/, email HIV@saddleback.com, or call 949-609-8555.