World AIDS Day Events -- 11.29.2013
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH -- Media Advisory
For Friday, November 29, 2013
Contact: Jose Rodriguez (614) 604-5025 or [email protected]
World AIDS Day Events to Raise Awareness and Inspire Global Action
Local Events Include the Lighting of Iconic Buildings and Reading of the Names Commemoration
WHAT:
Public health officials and members of the Central Ohio HIV Planning Alliance (COPHA) will hold a Reading of the Names commemoration event, and Columbus City Hall and Columbus Public Health will go (RED) in recognition of World AIDS Day to raise awareness, to show support for people living with HIV/AIDS, and to commemorate those who have died during the fight.
WHO:
Dr. Teresa Long, Columbus Public Health Commissioner; Michael Burnett, Columbus Public Health HIV Prevention Program; Joseph Terrill, AIDS HealthCare Foundation; Tyler Termeer, AIDS Resource Center; Adrian Neil Jr., Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center; David Baker, PLWHA Advocate; John Henry, AIDS Resource Center; local HIV/AIDS agency representatives; and community members.
EVENT DETAILS:
World AIDS Day Observance & Reading of the Names
- Sun., Dec. 1, 3-5 p.m.
- Ohio State House – 1 Capital Square (West Side Plaza – High Street)
Building Illuminations
- Beginning today, Nov. 29
- Columbus City Hall – 90 W. Broad Street
- Columbus Public Health – 240 Parsons Ave.
MORE INFO:
Columbus’ City Hall and the historic Columbus Public Health building will be illuminated in (RED) beginning today to raise awareness of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. Together with other major U.S. cities, Columbus is lighting distinctive landmarks (RED) to raise awareness and funds, to show support for people living with HIV/AIDS and to commemorate people who have died.
Additionally on World AIDS Day Dec. 1, public health officials will join community HIV/AIDS organizations from COPHA for a public Reading of the Names commemoration event. The event will be held from 3-5 p.m. on the front steps of the Ohio Statehouse.
In central Ohio, more than 4,100 people are living with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, including 311 people diagnosed last year. The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the community also has increased by 36 percent since 2007. Additionally, young people ages 13-29 account for 41 percent of new HIV diagnoses.