LAPLACE — When it comes to concerns of HIV and AIDS, members of The Right Choice Project want members of the River Parishes to be aware of the facts and get tested.

A group of health care professionals and business people, Right Choice leaders say they provide free, rapid HIV testing, counseling, education, literature, condoms, transportation for those living with HIV to doctors appointments, assistance in obtaining housing and assistance to clients in obtaining health insurance in St. John the Baptist, St. James and St. Charles Parishes.

To support its efforts, The Right Choice Project is hosting its second annual Champions Banquet Celebration of Black Men at 5 p.m. June 28 at Choice the Events Place, 516 E. Airline Highway in LaPlace.

Honorees at this year’s event include Charles Clifford Julien, Samuel Ashley Jr., the Rev. Dr. Forell Bering Sr., Leroy T. Richardson III and the Rev. Dr. Byron Clay Sr.

The emcee for the evening is Antoine M. Jasmine, and the guest speaker is state Rep. Randal L. Gaines, (D-LaPace).

Tickets are available for purchase and will be available for purchase the day of the event.

For more information on getting involved and participating, call Clinical Coordinator Danis Walker at 985-651-7844. 

All proceeds go toward people living with HIV/AIDS and improving health care in the community.

In 2013, organizers said Louisiana ranked third in the nation for highest estimated HIV case rates (30.3 per 100,000 population) and 11th highest estimated number of HIV infection cases.

Of particular concern are records indicating black men have the highest case rates of HIV infection in the U.S.   

Walker said momentum has increased since the first champions banquet, adding Director Tanza Sterling has been appointed to the New Orleans Regional AIDS Planning Council with the Office of Public Health and the Mayor’s office and Project members have taken part in University of Michigan research study concerning HIV/AIDS in rural communities.

“We do not think that the community is aware of the HIV situation locally,” Walker said. “We outreach in the community every week and come across people who believe HIV is under control, because they no longer hear about.”

Walker said people are amazed when organizers talk about the statistical data, current treatment and ways of transmission.

“The majority of the middle aged women who we speak to say that don’t need to know about HIV, because they have been married for over 20 years,” she said. “But they don’t know that African American heterosexual women had the highest new cases of HIV in 2013. Some of our community is in denial of HIV residing here, and others really want to know about it.”

Organizers say they receive calls from parents asking for help with children who are HIV positive or are promiscuous.

“Parents need help talking to their children about the effects of HIV, STDs and sexuality, and we are here to do just that,” Walker said.

Those who want to learn more about The Right Choice Project can call 985-651-7844 or email therightchoiceproject@gmail.com.