District to Participate in Local Observance of 17Th Annual World AIDS Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 1, 2005
LAS VEGAS – Dec. 1, 2005 – The Southern Nevada Health District will join Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN), Golden Rainbow and the Clark County Coalition of HIV/AIDS Service Providers in today’s local observance of World AIDS Day. Memorial quilt displays and an AIDS candlelight vigil will mark the day (a schedule of events is listed on Page 2).
“There is currently no vaccine or cure for HIV or AIDS, so education and prevention through responsible behavior remain our best defenses against the disease,” said Dr. Donald Kwalick, chief health officer. “We encourage people to learn their HIV/AIDS status through testing, and seek treatment if necessary,” said Kwalick.
World AIDS Day was conceived and adopted in 1988 by representatives of 140 countries at the World Summit of Ministers of Health on AIDS. The day serves as an opportunity for governments, non-governmental and local organizations, AIDS programs and individuals to increase awareness and demonstrate solidarity in the fight against AIDS.
This year’s theme, “Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise,” is intended to remind worldwide leaders, health providers and organizations about our promises to continue the fight against AIDS. As of October 2005, nearly 3,000 Clark County residents are living with HIV. Since surveillance began, roughly 4,300 Clark County residents have been diagnosed with AIDS, and 2,000 of those people have died. Local World AIDS Day events will observe the progress made in battle against HIV/AIDS, address challenges and remind the community that the epidemic is far from over.
For more information, contact either Cherie Filler-Maietta (702) 759-0726 or Chris Reynolds (702) 759-0723 at the Southern Nevada Health District Office of AIDS.
World AIDS Day, December 1, 2005
Schedule of Events
Memorial Quilt Display
Clark County Government Center Rotunda
500 S. Grand Central Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89106
Contact: Cherie Filler-Maietta, (702) 759-0726
November 28, 2005 – December 2, 2005
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The goals of the AIDS Memorial Quilt display are to provide a creative outlet for remembrance and healing, illustrate the enormity of the AIDS epidemic, raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, assist with HIV prevention education and show compassion for people impacted by HIV/AIDS.
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil
AIDS Interfaith Ministries
First Christian Disciples of Christ Church
101 S. Rancho Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89106
Contact: Pat Manning, (702) 383-6963 or Lionel Starkes, (702) 383-1892
December 1, 2005
7:00 p.m.
THINK Media Campaign Launch
The print, radio, theater-ad, t-shirt and educational campaign will begin December 1. The campaign is a collaborative effort between the Southern Nevada Health District Office of AIDS, Golden Rainbow and AID for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN). The THINK campaign seeks to generate awareness of HIV/AIDS and provide powerful statistical messages that show the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Contact: Paul Speirs, (702) 413-4278
-30-
Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.