National AIDS Quilt to Headline Wake County World AIDS Day Events

Four quilt blocks from the National AIDS Quilt, memorializing 32 individuals who lived with and died from AIDS, will be displayed today through December 9 in the atrium of the Wake County Human Services Public Health Center at 10 Sunnybrook Road as part of World AIDS Day events. The center is open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed November 28 and 29). For information, please contact Sharlene Simon, 919-212-9503.

Sponsored by collaborating organizations Wake County Human Services (WCHS), Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina (AAS-C) and Teens Against AIDS (TAA), the theme of the two-week observance is "AIDS Does Not Discriminate: People Do." World AIDS Day is officially December 1.

With HIV/AIDS on the rise in Wake County, the organizers especially aim to reach underserved populations, for example, adults over age 50, incarcerated men, single mothers with history of drug abuse and the Latino population. The events are also aimed to target communities outside of the Raleigh area, including Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest and others.

Other scheduled events for the two weeks include:

Monday, December 2, 2002, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m., "Closing the Gap between HIV/AIDS and Older Adults." HIV/AIDS awareness program targeting adults age 50 and over. Interactive education about the myths and facts of HIV disease for those over 50, as rates in this age group escalates. Located at the DuBois Center, 536 North Franklin St., Wake Forest. Contact: Kristena Clay 834-2437, Ext. 16.

Tuesday, December 3, 2002, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., "The Naked Truth about HIV/AIDS." HIV/AIDS awareness program targeting single mothers with history of substance abuse in relation to the ways of transmission and safer sex methods. Located at Robeson Healthcare: Kinton Court Program, 301 Sunset Dr., Fuquay-Varina. Contact: Alan Muriera, 919-212-9312.

Thursday, December 5, 2002, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., "HIV/AIDS: Behind Closed Doors." HIV/AIDS awareness program targeting incarcerated men in relation to the ways of transmission and safer sex methods. HIV/AIDS and syphilis testing will be provided on-site. Located at Department of Corrections-Men's Annex, 3400 Hammond Rd., Raleigh. Contact: Elizabeth Spender-Smith, 919-250-4468.

Friday, December 6, 2002, 9:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m., "HIV/AIDS: Taboo in the Latino Community?" HIV/AIDS education and awareness will be provided through a salsa contest, outreach efforts, and tender learning moments at a local nightclub. Located at Bravo Bravo Café, 4000 Atlantic Ave., Raleigh. Contact: Tangela Keaton, 919-834-2437, Ext. 30.

Saturday, December 7, 2002, AIDSWalk, registration begins at 12:00 noon, opening ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. The 8th annual AIDSWalk is a one-mile walk through downtown Raleigh beginning at the Government Mall (between the Legislative and Archdale buildings). For more information or to request a "Walker Packet," call 919-834-2437, Ext. 22. Event sponsored by AAS-C.