World AIDS Day 2011 Observance in Orange County

UPCOMING EVENT ALERT

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by the AIDS Services Foundation Orange County:

WHAT: AIDS Services Foundation Orange County (ASF) will lead local observances of World AIDS Day 2011 in a program remembering local residents who have died of HIV/AIDS and the thousands of people who are living with the virus.  The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is "Getting to Zero".  

WHERE: Santa Ana Art Walk on the 2^nd Street promenade in Santa Ana

WHEN:  Saturday, December 3, 2011. 6 p.m.

PROGRAM:
Remembrance and Honor Candlelight program
Remarks from Pearl Jemison-Smith, long time AIDS prevention activist
Free HIV testing
Information booths
Project Glow – 200 illuminated balloons to be released over the Santa Ana Art Walk as part of Remembrance Ceremony

BACKGROUND:   HIV disease continues to spread in Orange County.  Averaged annually, there is nearly one new infection a day in this community.  In particular, HIV disease is on the increase in the Latino community and among younger people.

A public opinion poll of Orange County residents just completed for ASF found that the public remains highly concerned about the risk of HIV infection, rating it a higher risk when compared to other life threatening diseases (breast and prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, leukemia and kidney disease.)

Annually, ASF helps more 1,600 men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Orange County.  Services include food, transportation, housing, case management, emergency financial assistance, children and family programs, Latino outreach programs, mental health counseling, support groups, HIV testing, and an extensive array of HIV prevention and education programs.

Media Contact:   Barbara Lohman, ASF Office: 949-809-5751 Cell 714 342-7464   [email protected]

SOURCE AIDS Services Foundation Orange County