CITY OF LAREDO COMMEMORATES WORLD AIDS DAY ON DECEMBER 1ST
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Nov 29, 2012, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Laredo, TX – Please join the City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) for a Day of Remembrance; “Getting to Zero,” 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 Health. “We need to make it very clear that HIV is still a serious and deadly disease if we do not adhere to the treatment regimen and above all reduce HIV acquisition/transmission risk factors that can lead to full blown AIDS” said Manuel Sanchez, CLHD HIV/AIDS Manager.
This year, we highlight several activities on Saturday, December 1, 2012 kicking off with an HIV/AIDS Awareness Walk at North Central Park, 10202 International Drive, at 8:00 a.m. The walk will feature educational booths on health related topics including HIV/AIDS and Sexual Transmitted Disease (STD) prevention as well as other public health services. The unveiling of newly created artwork by local young artists such as Miro Ramirez, Catherine Avaritt, Jessica Tovar, and Lydia De Los Santos, all participants of the Art Contest in October, will also take place. Later that day at 2:00 p.m., CLHD in collaboration with the Laredo AIDS consortia, will host the annual candle light vigil and proclamation at the City of Laredo Health Department, at 2600 Cedar Avenue where we will highlight AIDS remembrance and honor those that have passed because of this disease, but moreover recognize and support those living with HIV/AIDS. Since 1985, the CLHD has confirmed 512 HIV cases (414 male and 98 female).
As we pause to reflect on the toll of HIV/AIDS during this 24nd 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. Even though there is better treatment, there are several co-morbidities than have made HIV/AIDS even more serious. For Laredo, other infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis and chronic diseases such as 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.
