World AIDS Day events planned

As in previous years, World AIDS Day will be marked with a variety of events at the university.

This year’s theme is “I Care…Do You? – Youth and AIDS in the 21st Century.” People under age 25 represent half of all new HIV infection cases, ten million people ages 15-24 are living with HIV/AIDS, and every minute, five young people are infected with HIV.

The day was first observed Dec. 1, 1988, after an international summit of health ministers called for a new spirit of social tolerance and a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS. Since then, World AIDS Day, strengthens global efforts to address the challenges of the AIDS epidemic, which continues to spread throughout every region of the world.

Locally, World AIDS Day events are organized through a campus-community collaboration to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to reduce the prejudice and stigma toward those affected by this critical health issue.

Here is an overview of World AIDS Day events:

— Thursday, Nov. 29, 6-8 p.m., presentation on HIV vaccine research 227 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Ave., presented by post-doctoral researcher Dave O’Connor and graduate student Bianca Mothé. Contact: Paula Cody, (608) 262-5625, pjcody@students.wisc.edu.

Nov. 29-30, Dec. 3-4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., World AIDS Day informational tables, Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St. Contact: Abby Hougan, (608) 294-1179, amhougan@students.wisc.edu.
Saturday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., “Celebration of Life/Speak Out and Reception,” First Congregational Church, 1609 University Ave. Contact: JoAnn Smith, AIDS Network, (608) 252-6540 ext. 33, jsmith@madisonaidsnetwork.org.
Friday, Dec. 7 -Saturday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Friday-1 p.m. Saturday, dance marathon, Memorial Union. Contact: Sara Lind, (608) 294-9480, uwdancer411@yahoo.com.
Saturday, Dec. 1 – Friday, Dec. 7, AIDS quilt display, First Congregational Church, 1609 University Ave. Saturday, Dec. 1, 4 – 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 2, noon-4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 3-Friday, Dec 7, 1-9 p.m. Contact: Abby Hougan, (608) 294-1179, amhougan@students.wisc.edu.
Saturday, Dec. 1, Madison Arts Center, “Day Without Art.” In remembrance of those who died from an AIDS-related illness, the gallery shop will be open, with a portion of the sales donated to AIDS Network. Contact JoAnn Smith, (608) , 252-6540 ext. 33, AIDS Network, jsmith@madisonaidsnetwork.org.

The World AIDS Day Planning Committee includes University Health Services, AIDS Network, First Congregational Church, Wisconsin Union Directorate Arts Committee, Students for Camp Heartland, Hillel, Sex Out Loud, and more than 10 student organizations that have provided volunteers for the various events.
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