Health District Unlv Join Together for World AIDS Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 27, 2006
LAS VEGAS – November 27, 2006 – The Southern Nevada Health District and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) have joined together in observance of the 18th annual World AIDS Day, Friday, Dec. 1. The memorial AIDS quilt will be displayed at UNLV beginning Monday, Nov. 27 and its creator, Cleve Jones, is scheduled to speak at 6 p.m. that evening. Throughout the week, outreach and information will be available at the university; HIV testing is scheduled as well as an art walk and reception. A candlelight vigil will take place on Thursday, Nov. 30. A complete schedule is attached.
As of October 31, more than 4,500 Southern Nevadans were diagnosed with AIDS and 3,200 residents are living with HIV; more than 2,000 have died. A recent study by the UNAIDS noted there are more than 39 million people living with HIV worldwide.
World AIDS Day was 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.
“AIDS continues to be an international public health problem with millions of people dying from it annually. Because there is still no vaccine or cure more than 25 years into the epidemic, education and prevention through responsible behavior continue to be the best defense against infection,” said Dr. Donald S. Kwalick, Southern Nevada Health District chief health officer. “We encourage people to get tested, to know their status, to get treatment and to take precautions.” In September, the CDC recommended that voluntary HIV testing become routine for patients aged 13 to 64 to increase early diagnosis for the more than 250,000 Americans who are unaware that they are HIV positive. The CDC noted that studies show that people who are unaware that they are HIV positive account for between 50 percent and 70 percent of new sexually transmitted HIV infections.
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, 2006
Schedule of Events
All events will be held at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
4505 Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
Monday, November 27
| Memorial AIDS Quilt Display Monday, Nov. 27 – Friday, Dec. 1 UNLV/Moyer Student Union, Room 219 |
Field of Flags Display Monday, Nov. 27-Friday, Dec. 1 North Field |
| Faith Forum 11:30 a.m. UNLV/Moyer Student Union, Room 208 |
Cleve Jones (Memorial Quilt creator) 6 p.m. Moyer Student Union Theater |
Tuesday, November 28
| Sidewalk Art Alumni Walk 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. CBC Buildings |
Wednesday, November 29
| Outreach/Information 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Moyer Student Union |
Art Reception 6 p.m. Moyer Student Union, Room 219 |
Thursday, November 30
| Outreach/Information 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Moyer Student Union |
HIV Testing 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Moyer Student Union, Student Health Ctr |
| Candlelight Vigil 6 p.m. North Field |
Friday, December 1/World AIDS Day
| HIV Testing 9 a.m. – noon Moyer Student Union, Student Health Center |
Outreach/Information 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Moyer Student Union |
| Rent 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Moyer Student Union Theater |
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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.