Every 10 seconds, someone in the world dies from AIDS. As World AIDS Day approaches, The North Texas HIV Service Providers Council is raising awareness about the disease and the virus that causes it with a day-long event on December 5 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas.
“AIDS is a pandemic that knows no bounds,” said Raeline Nobles, executive director of AIDS Arms, Inc. and chair of this year’s event. “World AIDS Day is the largest worldwide initiative designed to raise awareness, remember the millions who have lost their lives to AIDS and celebrate those who continue their struggle with the disease.”
Comprised of 10 HIV/AIDS service organizations from across North Texas, the Council is welcoming the public to visit the free health and information fair which will feature a variety of local, regional and national organizations. Patrons will also have the opportunity to view panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
In addition, the event will include a special luncheon beginning at noon, featuring keynote speaker Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of Ryan White and national advocate for people living with HIV and AIDS.
In 1984, 13-year-old Ryan became infected through a tainted hemophilia treatment. His story gained national exposure after being expelled from school because of his infection. Throughout a lengthy legal battle with the school board, Ryan quickly became a national spokesperson for AIDS research and education.
Although Ryan lost his fight to the disease in 1990, his memory lives on through a major piece of legislation known as the Ryan White CARE Act, the largest federally funded program for people living with HIV/AIDS.
“AIDS knows no bounds. It affects us all no matter your age, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity,” said Steven Pace, executive director of AIDS Interfaith Network. “It is an absolute honor to have Jeanne White-Ginder with us on December 5 to talk to North Texans on today’s issues related to AIDS and share her very personal experience of dealing with the disease.”
Tickets for the luncheon are available in advance for $30 each or at the door for $40. Luncheon reservations must be received by December 1 by contacting Alisha Fowler at 214-521-5191 or afowler@aidsarms.org.
According to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), infections in the United States are among the highest in the world. While symptoms vary from person to person, the only way to know for sure whether you are infected with HIV is to be tested.
“Proper education, practicing safer sex, and refraining from drugs and other risky behaviors are the best ways to prevent infection,” said David Thomas, executive director of Bryan’s House and Chair of the Council. “Information on free HIV testing throughout the community will be at the health fair for all participants.”
The North Texas HIV Service Providers Council is a partnership of the Ryan White-funded HIV/AIDS Service Organizations that provides a complete continuum of care for those at risk for or living with HIV and AIDS. Organization partners include: AIDS Arms, Inc.; AIDS Interfaith Network; AIDS Services of Dallas; Bryan’s House; Dallas County Early Intervention; Legacy Counseling Center, Inc.; Legal Hospice of Texas; Resource Center of Dallas; Parkland Health & Hospital System and Welcome House, Inc.