Wichita — When Mary Swinton came out of a monthlong diabetic coma four years ago, she wasn't content with just being awake. She says she had a mission from God to spread the word about the dangers of HIV and AIDS, especially among blacks.
While she was in a coma, she said God told her, "I'm going to give you holy boldness to go among those people, those saints, and tell it like it is." And she did, even though she was weakened from HIV herself.
Her efforts will be bolstered by the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, part of a national campaign. Kansas activities include a gospel concert at Wichita State University, a prayer vigil, a youth prevention rally, an education program and other events through March 12.
These events, HIV caregivers say, are desperately needed. African-Americans, who account for 6 percent of Kansas' population, account for 21 percent of the state's HIV and AIDS cases. African-American women account for 37 percent of HIV and AIDS cases among all women, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Despite those numbers, Swinton said, most churches aren't ministering to HIV patients or talking about the virus with their members.
"They're not on fire for this issue," she said.
Their reasons, she said: Some pastors don't view AIDS prevention as a priority. Others see the syndrome as punishment for sin.
Swinton, a volunteer with an AIDS organization, explains to pastors that the virus can be passed through heterosexual sex, blood transfusions and intravenous drug use.
Swinton, 39, was an accountant for 10 years and previously worked in the Wichita treasurer's office. Now that she has constant pain, she no longer can work 40 hours a week.
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