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DHSS Press Release



Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Date: November 22, 2011
DHSS-116-2011





DELAWARE AND THE WORLD OBSERVE WORLD AIDS DAY DEC. 1

One Of The Most Destructive Pandemics In History Is Still A Fight In Progress


Despite progress, HIV/AIDS remains one of the most frightening yet preventable diseases of our time, killing over 25 million people worldwide from 1981 to 2007 and identifying itself as one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) asks all Delawareans to unite in the fight against this disease and, as part of the world community, observe the 24th annual World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

"World AIDS Day marks an opportunity to educate Delawareans on preventing this devastating disease and the community resources available to help," said Gov. Jack Markell. "With partners in our communities, we will continue to work every day to prevent more Delawareans from being infected with HIV/AIDS, and to treat those with the disease with the utmost care and compassion."

Delaware has more than 3,600 people battling this disease-two-thirds who are African Americans. Long-term and steady efforts by DPH and its partners continue to educate, treat and prevent HIV/AIDS. However, new cases among young homosexual and bisexual men ages 15-29 are rising, from 15 cases in 2001 to 31 in 2010.

"Now more than ever it is important that people get tested if they are at risk of being infected," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director. "This is because people who test positive can be treated and treatment is prevention. The drugs that are available today often reduce the levels of virus in the blood to such low levels that they are unlikely to infect others."

For those coping with HIV/AIDS, there is hope. New studies are encouraging, showing that proper treatment of HIV/AIDS can not only extend the healthy life of those with HIV, but can also greatly decrease the chances of transmission. If you have HIV and are not getting treatment, please call the Delaware HIV Consortium at 302-654-5471. There is no waiting list for treatment in Delaware! Go to www.hivtest.org to find a testing center near you and a counselor that can help you figure out which safer practices are best for you.

World Aids Day events scheduled statewide include:

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

Dec. 1 7 p.m. AIDS Delaware Opera Delaware 4 South Poplar St. Wilmington, DE 19801 Sponsoring a cabaret that celebrates life through music. Contact: Michelle (302) 652-6776
Dec. 1 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Beautiful Gate Outreach Center 604 N. Walnut St. Wilmington, DE 19801 "A Healthier Community Starts With You - Get Tested!" Free, rapid HIV antibody testing with same day results from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Valid photo ID required. Free blood pressure and glucose screening also offered. Assistance to access medical care and other supportive services also available to those living with HIV. Contact: Suzanne Tait (302) 472-3002 Website at: www.Bgate.org
Bgate411@aol.com
Dec. 1 5 - 8 p.m. Latin American Community Center Waterfall Banquet and Conference Center 3416 Philadelphia Pike Claymont, DE 19703 "Entre Nos-Religion, Sexual Morality and HIV" Speaker will address how religious beliefs and relationship dynamics can influence HIV infection. Personal testimony will be made by an individual affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. Contact: Marco Ramos (302) 655-7338 ext. 7721

KENT COUNTY

Dec. 1 6 p.m. Kent/Sussex Counseling ServicesJohn Wesley Church 217 W. Division St. Dover, DE 19904 Guest speaker, reading of the names of those who have passed, and music soloist. Refreshments served after the event. Contact: Constance Johnson (302) 382-7284

SUSSEX COUNTY

Dec. 1 4:30 p.m. CAMP Rehoboth 37 Baltimore Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 "Service of Remembrance and Hope" Begins at Camp Rehoboth with a reception for the World AIDS Day Art Exhibit. Afterward, there will be a gathering for a candlelight walk leading to All Saint's Church on Olive Avenue for a remembrance service and light supper at 7:45 p.m. Contact: (302) 227-5620
Dec. 1 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. La Red Health Center The Circle Georgetown, DE 19947 Information on HIV/STDs At 5-5:30 p.m. there will be a moment of remembrance along with lighting of the candles and reading of the names of those who have passed. Light refreshments. Contact: Angel Rivera (302) 236-0514
Dec. 1 6 p.m. Kent/Sussex Counseling ServicesGrace Tabernacle of Deliverance Church 136 Brooklyn Ave. Laurel, DE 19956 Candlelight vigil including a guest speaker, praise team performance, and reading of the names of those who have passed. Refreshments served after the event. Contact: Haley Truitt (302) 387-5495


Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.





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