Nov. 23, 2006 — A number of the territory's HIV/AIDS service organizations, along with the American Red Cross of the Virgin Islands (ARCVI) and the V.I. Department of Health, are gearing up for a series of events to recognize World AIDS Day.
Held every Dec. 1, World AIDS Day is an annual event to commemorate those who have died from AIDS and raise awareness of the impact of HIV and AIDS on the community. The event, and activities leading up to it, also educate the community on how to prevent HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS, and to alleviate discrimination against those who suffer from the disease.
This year's event will be a territorywide commemoration through the efforts of the ARCVI (through its St. Thomas/St. John Centers for Disease Control & Prevention grant); Balm in Gilead for the Virgin Islands; Frederiksted Health Center in St. Croix; H.O.P.E., Inc. of St. Thomas; St. Croix Community Foundation; St. Thomas East End Medical Center; VICare Inc. of St. Croix, and the V.I. Department of Health.
According to a release issued Wednesday, the following events are in the final stages of planning:
Monday, Nov. 27, 2006
The American Red Cross of the Virgin Islands (ARCVI) will conduct outreach in Cruz Bay, St. John, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. HIV-prevention materials will be distributed, as well as referrals to HIV testing and free giveaways. Applications also will be available for a VOICES negotiation skills training class.
Tuesday, Nov. 28
ARCVI will conduct outreach in center court Tutu Park Mall from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. by distributing HIV-prevention materials, providing applications for a VOICES negotiation skills training class and free giveaways. Free HIV testing will be done by St. Thomas East End Medical Center.
Wednesday, Nov. 29
ARCVI will conduct outreach at the Nisky Shopping Center (along the restaurant promenade) from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. by distributing HIV-prevention materials, providing applications for a VOICES negotiation skills training class and offering free giveaways.
Thursday, Nov. 30
H.O.P.E. Inc. will offer HIV-prevention services in St. John at the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Services will include HIV information, VOICES, HIV testing and safer sex package giveaways.
V.I. Department of Health in St. Croix will conduct a poetry reading on the topic of AIDS in our community at Blue Moon Caf
