Westside Pastors’ Coalition for AIDS is comprised of faith leaders. The Coalition has been in existence since 1994, under its current founder/president, Rev. Stanley F. Stephens, who recognized that there were a limited number of faith leaders involved in HIV/AIDS ministries. Our mission is to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS through education/prevention, by building an extensive network for excellent health and wellness in the community. The Coalition believes strongly in education and prevention while increasing compassion and non-judgmental care. We provide pastoral care, support groups, grief counseling and continue to build faith based health ministries. We also promote faith community involvement in HIV testing. Other health issues that impact poor communities and are often overlooked include: Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Obesity, Stroke and Hypertension. African-Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Diabetes than whites and 1.5 times more likely than whites to have high blood pressure. The Coalition supports programs in the community that address these concerns.