For the past 11 years, HIV and AIDS have been the leading cause of death for black women.

This week, forums and testing are being held in our area. An open forum on AIDS will be held today at Reformed Presbyterian Church, 627 Jeff Davis Ave. in Selma from 6-7:30 p.m. Free HIV testing will be offered.

On Wednesday, Feb. 7, Black HIV Prevention Network hosts Black AIDS Day Program “The Time to Deliver is Now!!!” in the Dallas County Health Department Community Room, 100 Samuel O. Moseley Drive. The hours are 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dinner is provided.

At Reformed Presbyterian Church on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 8-9, the American Red Cross HIV Education and Prevention forum will train and educate groups as instructors for the Red Cross, who educates this arm with facts in the battle against HIV/AIDS. The training is free for 10 participants with a $10 registration free.

The purpose of these forums is not to talk about the problems, according to organizers. It’s to bring solutions.

Organizers believe community groups, including churches, can help provide the catalyst to stop this spread of the disease in the African-American community.

Educate yourself, then help educate others on how to prevent the disease.

Education can also help prevent the stigma that is still – after almost 30 years – prevalent in society.