World AIDS Day 2012

"Zero New Infections. Zero Discrimination. Zero AIDS-Related Deaths. Implement the ILO Recommendation on HIV and AIDS. "

Theme for World AIDS Day 2012

With the discovery of the Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) in the early 1980's, many more issues other than morbidity and mortality (sickness and death) caused by the HIV virus have emerged. Stigma, depression, outcast from family and friend groups, discrimination at work and in general, lack of access to much needed medication, lack of access to services, coping with the death of friends, family members and loved ones- the list goes on. The HIV/AIDS Awareness Network was excited to celebrate this year's national theme at our event in Wabasso, Florida. The theme this year encompassed a comprehensive approach to the issues that surround HIV/AIDS including: prevention,  discrimination issues, reducing mortality rates, and of course testing. 

Although not planned (obviously), our event and this theme was a great way to kick off the launch of our website this year. Here at the Network, we are more than excited to be featuring stories and interviews this year from some of our own members who've dealt with some of these issues. Thanks to all of our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and attendees who made this year's World AIDS Day event a huge success! Special thanks to Wabasso Church of God for hosting our annual event this year.

Enjoy these photos from our 2012 World AIDS Day event.

   

Photos by: Alma Miller 

Interested in sponsoring an event, participating as a vendor in an upcoming event, or questions?Please contact us at IRCHIV@gmail.com

50,000 new infections every year is unacceptable

National Policy Office - Washington, DC: 202-835-8373 Program and Administrative Office - Tampa, FL: 813-258-5929     For Immediate Release: 12.29.12 Media Contact: Carl Schmid: 202.669.8267, CSchmid@theaidsinstitute.org  50,000 NEW HIV INFECTIONS EVERY YEAR IS UNACCEPTABLE PREVENTION EFFORTS MUST FOCUS MORE ON GAY MEN Washington, DC - Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that new HIV infections in 2010 remained stable at approximately 50,000 in the United States. "We must not become complacent in our efforts to prevent HIV," commented Carl Schmid, Deputy Executive Director of The AIDS Institute. "Fifty thousand new infections every year is 50,000 too many. However, we are hopeful with the new prevention tools available and the leadership from the Obama Administration with its National HIV/AIDS Strategy, this number can be reduced in the coming years."    While the CDC reported reductions of new HIV infections among women and injection drug users, for gay men the number of new cases increased by 12 percent since 2008. Particularly alarming was the 22 percent increase among young gay men (ages 13-24) which was mostly driven by the 38 percent increase among young black gay men. Over half of all new infections (56 percent) are occurring in people less than 35 years old, with 26 percent occurring in those ages 13-24. "Because gay men account for 66 percent of all new infections, we must increase the focus of our prevention programs for gay men, particularly young and black gay men," said Michael Ruppal, Executive Director of The AIDS Institute. "With the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and its emphasis on directing resources to those communities and areas most impacted by HIV, which includes gay men, we hope the number of new infections will decrease as the Strategy is implemented. While we are seeing evidence that the CDC is following the Strategy, we hope the same can be said out in the field." While the National HIV/AIDS Strategy calls for age appropriate HIV prevention education, more must be done for our youth and in our schools. Ignoring the issue at the federal, state and local level is wrong and irresponsible. "We have the tools to prevent HIV, and we have the leadership from the Obama Administration. We also need Congress' commitment to provide continued funding to turn the tide on HIV in the U.S.," added Ruppal. "With a record number of people living with HIV in the U.S., we know it will take some time, but with the proper policies and funding, we can envision an AIDS-free generation." # # # For more information and to become involved, please contact  The AIDS Institute at: (202) 835-8373, or by email at: Info@theaidsinstitute.org or www.TheAIDSInstitute.org   The AIDS Institute is a national nonprofit organization that promotes action for social change through research, public policy, advocacy and education.

Welcome to the Network

And it begins. We are excited to announce the launch of our new website this year. We hope to use this online forum to engage the HIV/AIDS community, network with other local organizations, and act as an education/resource guide to both providers and individuals looking for assistance with testing, referrals, and accurate information surrounding HIV/AIDS.

The HIV/AIDS Awareness Network is run by a group of dedicated volunteers in Vero Beach, Florida and has been in operation since 1999. Please take a moment to check out our website and check back frequently for updates. Weekly posts will be up on issues and new research surrounding HIV/AIDS. In addition to this, monthly posts will highlight our upcoming events.

Please feel free to comment on our site, as our website design is currently in an interactive blog format. Our Network looks forward to serving you with the most current information no matter what country you may live.

You can find us on Twitter @HIVAIDSNetwork

and Facebook as HIV/AIDS Awareness Network

Welcome and Happy New Year from the Network!

Pictured here from Left to Right: John May, President,
Alma Miller, Secretary, Andrea Naylor, Social Media,
Freddie Woolfork, Vice President. Other
 Board Members not pictured here: Steve Hoke, Treasurer