WORLD AIDS DAY: A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Written by admin, Dec 1, 2011, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Laredo, TX – Laredo, TX – Join Mayor Raul G. Salinas and County Judge Danny Valdez for “A Day of Remembrance,” a special event to commemorate World Aids Day. “AIDS continues to be a public health concern even though there have been great strides in AIDS treatment and management” said Dr. Hector F. Gonzalez Director of the City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD). “We need to make it very clear that AIDS is still a serious and deadly disease if we do not adhere to the therapy regimen and above all reduce at risk factors’ said Manuel Sanchez, CLHD HIV/AIDS Manager.
With a candle light vigil and proclamation we will highlight AIDS remembrance and honor those that have passed but moreover recognize those living with HIV/AIDS. As we pause to reflect on the toll of HIV/AIDS during this 23nd anniversary of World AIDS Day, we must not forget that the fight against this devastating disease is far from over. HIV remains a significant threat to the health and well-being of multiple communities, including Laredo. The most recent CDC data indicates that more than 1.1 million Americans live with HIV, and half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. are among young Americans under the age of 25. Eventhough there is better treatment; there are several co-morbidities than have made HIV/AIDS even more serious. For Laredo, other infectious diseases (Tuberculosi and Hepatitis) and chronic diseases (Diabetes and Hypertension) add to the seriousness of the disease; therefore, awareness and prevention are key wellness efforts. This is a community issue and we urge all persons to become more aware. Other partners in this effort include the Laredo AIDS Consortia, PILLAR, SCAN, STCADA, STDC, Laredo Housing Authority, Psychotherapy & Counseling Associates, Women’s City Club and United Way as well as many providers who everyday dedicate themselves to HIV prevention and support.
Activities for World AIDS Day will kick off with the unveiling of a newly created billboard designed by TAMIU student, April Jimerson, winner of the 1st Annual Latino AIDS Awareness Day Art Contest.
The CLHD offers HIV testing, evidence based interventions, early intervention services, housing opportunities for persons with AIDS, HIV care services, and HIV/AIDS bi-national services. Free, anonymous rapid testing is available at CLHD LETS Program on a walk-in basis; results are available within 10 minutes.
For more information about free safe, fast HIV testing, call 795-4905.
1st Annual Latino AIDS Awareness Day Art Contest Winner Billboard Reveal Thursday, December 01, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. 1601 Chihuahua Street, Laredo, TX 78040
