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HIV/AIDS Charity Kicks Off Facebook Campaign To Replenish Pantry

By Michelle Durham

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There's a non-profit organization in Philadelphia working with those living with HIV and AIDS, particularly in the African American community. With over 19,000 infected people in the Philadelphia area, the city's HIV rate is five times the national average and the highest north of Washington DC.

Bebashi Executive Director Gary Bell says HIV and AIDS affects certain segments of the population more than others.

"Unfortunately, it's disproportionally affecting people of color. In Philadelphia about 67% of people living with HIV are African Americans."

Bell says his staff counsel, offer testing and steer those who need it to medical treatment.

Because so many of Bebashi's clients are poor, they operate a food cupboard and there's a way you can help them replenish their supplies: "We have a Fresh Grocer Facebook campaign. So we will, for the entire month of May, be asking people to go on our page on Facebook and like our page. For everyone that likes that page, we will get a free non-perishable food item."

To learn more about Bebashi and the services they provide, click here.

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