NATCHEZ &045; Natchez will join 60 other cities Monday when it provides free AIDS screenings to the public.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day has been going on nationwide for five years, but this will be the first year for the screenings in Natchez.

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church is sponsoring the event Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church’s 410 Morgantown Road building.

The Alcorn State University Health Education Resource Family Clinic and representatives from Natchez Community Hospital will be on site to do blood pressure tests and a bus from the Department of Health will do the HIV/AIDS tests.

The church has trained eight members, through the Red Cross, to provide AIDS information.

&uot;With the rising numbers of HIV positives, we though the lack of knowledge is the cause,&uot; church member Patricia Morris-Harried said. &uot;If we can get the information on HIV and how it is prevented out, we believe we can lower the numbers of positive cases.&uot;

The screening day is open to everyone, not just members of the black community, Morris-Harried said.

In addition to the screenings volunteers will provide information on AIDS and other health related problems.

The church is using support and donations from community businesses and organizations to put on the event. &uot;Everyone should know what their status is,&uot; Morris-Harried said.

Hourly prizes will be given out.