SECCAM Hiati Earthquake Relief

STATEMENT OF THE SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE

OF CATHOLIC AIDS MINISTERS (SECCAM)

ON THE LATEST TRAGEDY AFFECTING THE HAITIAN PEOPLE

ATLANTA, GA, January 14, 2010 – The Southeastern Conference of Catholic AIDS Ministers (SECCAM) expresses its solidarity with the people of Haiti during these times of heartbreak and sorrow resulting from the devastating earthquake that has destroyed the lives of countless families in the impoverished Caribbean country. The earthquake is the latest calamity for a nation already subjugated by tragedy.

SECCAM calls on AIDS ministers, in particular, to respond generously to earthquake relief efforts. Caribbean countries have the highest HIV infection levels in the Americas; among them, Haiti has the largest number of people living with HIV. AIDS has always demonstrated its preference for the poor, and Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It is estimated that 80 percent of the population lives below the poverty level and 54 percent in extreme poverty.

Donations can be made online through the website of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, www.catholiccharitiesadm.org, which has partnered with Catholic Relief Services (the official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops), and Caritas Haiti to distribute aid in the devastated nation.

Through the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, patroness of Haiti, we lift our humble prayers to God so that rescue teams will perform their work efficiently and many lives will be saved. We hope that the global community will commit its immediate and long-term relief and rebuilding efforts, and we pray that those who have lost loved ones to this tragedy find comfort during this time of overwhelming grief. God entrusts us to one another.

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The HIV Ministry at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami is an active member of SEECAM. Inspired by Catholic social teaching, the Southeastern Conference of Catholic AIDS Ministers (SECCAM) acknowledges the God-given dignity of each human being, and advocates for just programs which allow access to prevention education, early testing, treatment, medications, spiritual accompaniment, and support for all our brothers and sisters infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. For more information, visit www.seccam.org.

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