For Immediate Release
The African American Health Program
14015 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, Maryland 20904
Phone: (301) 421- 5445

Contact: Xerxeser Kayodé (301) 421 -5445 or (240) 777-1833

Community Organizations Take the Lead to Reclaim their Community Back from HIV

Silver Spring, Maryland—In observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2008 the African American Health Program sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and administered by BETAH Associates, Inc, will conduct a World AIDS Day program at the
Montgomery College,Takoma Park Campus in the Charlene R. Nunley Student Center in Silver Spring, MD. The program will take place from 1pm-6pm.

Partnering with the African American Health Program are the Latino Health Initiative, the Asian American Health Initiative, the Montgomery County Health Department, Montgomery College, GapBusters, Inc, National Minority AIDS Education and Training Center and Bristol Myers Squibb.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, internationally recognized as a day dedicated to increasing awareness of the AIDS pandemic and its impact that it has had in communities across the world, irrespective of race, ethnicity or socio-economic status. Its theme for 2008 is Lead, Empower, Deliver.

According to Maryland AIDS Administration’s latest data for 2006, 227 new HIV infections were reported for Montgomery County which places the County 3rd in the number of new HIV infections in Maryland, following closely behind Baltimore City and Prince George’s County,” said Abimbola Idowu DrPH, HIV health educator with the African American Health Program. “It is time that community leaders and residents participate on this day to take the lead to stop HIV in its tracks. We must reclaim our community back from the virus.”

Free HIV testing will be offered throughout the day beginning at 1pm. Expectant mothers and students are especially encouraged to get tested to know their status. Entertainment will be provided by the Wild Zappers Deaf Dance Company. Participants who attend the event will have an opportunity to make a personal pledge on what they will do to stop the spread of HIV by writing
personal messages or drawing illustrations on pieces of quilted fabric. Each piece will be sewn together to create our “Stop AIDS Quilt”.

At 3pm, a community forum consisting of local leaders will take place followed by a candlelight vigil at 6pm in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to AIDS and in support of those who are living with HIV.

For further information on the event, visit www.onehealthylife.org.