The date marks 30 years since the first AIDS case was reported in the U.S. Deschutes County asks local residents to share what “Facing AIDS” means to them in an interactive campaign that begins today.
The Deschutes County Public Health division has partnered with local businesses; COCC student government and Deschutes County Commissioners to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in our community through a campaign entitled “Facing AIDS”. Facing AIDS is a national social media campaign that aims to reduce stigma and promote HIV testing. Community members can visit the following locations at the below listed times and dates to participate in Facing AIDS:
TODAY through Dec. 1 World AIDS Day
How are you helping share the word or, what are you doing to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS? Tell us what “Facing AIDS” means to you. Visit the Deschutes County Services Building at 1340 NW Wall Street and complete a poster for display (see attached sample with Commissioner Tammy Baney), have someone take your photo with your poster (see attached required photo release form and blank poster). Are you helping someone with their illness, do you encourage others to be tested? Say it on your poster.
ON Dec. 1
More locations are available on this day for you to tell us what “Facing AIDS” means to you. Visit the Deschutes County Services Building-1340 NW Wall Street or one of the locations below to fill out a poster for display.
DAYTIME: Visit Common Table 1-3:00 P.M., Backporch Coffee Roasters 7:30-9:30AM, COCC Campus Center 10:30A.M.-1:30PM and fill out a poster for display.
6:00 P.M.: Join us for a reception, a reading of the “Facing AIDS” posters and a candlelight vigil at the Des Chutes Historical Museum at 129 NW Idaho Ave. in Bend. Let us hear your voice and join us at the reception!
Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day serves to focus global attention on the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the ongoing need for prevention and testing.
The Deschutes County Public Health Department reminds citizens that HIV does exist in Central Oregon and there are things we can all do to help prevent the spread of HIV. If living with the virus, residents are encouraged to get tested, know their disease status, and take active steps to control their health.
The Deschutes County Health Services Department offers anonymous services for people living with HIV/AIDS including a Positive Self-Management class for persons living with HIV and their partners and family members.
For more information, please call Deschutes County Health Educator Tuesday Johnson at 541-322-7425. Or, please visit www.cdc.gov, www.worldaidscampaign.org, http://facing.aids.gov, www.worldaidsnw.org or the Deschutes County Health Department website www.deschutes.org and search “HIV Testing”.
