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Health fairs, art shows, dramatic presentations, and AIDS memorial quilt displays are among the activities planned to mark the 22nd World AIDS Day observance Tuesday in New Jersey.
New Jersey ranks fifth among states with approximately 72,000 cumulative cases of HIV/AIDS, and has one of the highest percentages of women who have the disease, according to state health officials.
Injection drug use and sexual contact remain the major modes of exposure to HIV infection. The proportion of cases traced to injection drug use has declined, while the proportion linked to sexual contact is increasing.By mid-2009, nearly 35,000 people were reported as living with HIV or AIDS in the state. African-Americans make up 14 percent of the state's population, but 54 percent of those living with HIV/AIDS. Latinos account for 15 percent of the state's population, but 22 percent of those living with HIV.
"Since the epidemic began three decades ago, we have reduced the spread of HIV and made tremendous progress in helping people with HIV/AIDS live longer, healthier lives," said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard.
"While we acknowledge our accomplishments, World AIDS Day is a time to reflect on the fact that this preventable disease continues to spread and to disproportionately impact minority and multicultural populations.
"Working with our many partners, we must rededicate ourselves to the fight to reduce the impact of HIV, and ensure that New Jersey residents can access the HIV testing, care and treatment they need," Howard added.
The theme of this year's observance is "Universal Access and Human Rights," to stress the importance of access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care services.
In an effort to make HIV testing a routine part of medical care, as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the DHSS has encouraged testing sites to use the rapid HIV test. All health care providers should routinely offer HIV testing to their patients from ages 13 to 64.
The rapid test is available at more than 170 locations throughout the state. It provides results in less than 30 minutes, allowing clients to learn their status, and if positive, to get care or be referred to care the same day. Conventional testing required clients to return to the testing site days or even weeks after the test to get their results.
Among New Jersey's planned World AIDS Day events on Tuesday are:
Atlantic City – World AIDS Day 2009 Life Celebration at the All Wars Memorial Building (Soldiers Home), 1510 Adriatic Avenue. The event, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., features workshops, health screenings including HIV testing, and entertainment. Keynote speaker will be Larry Ganges, assistant commissioner of the DHSS Division of HIV/AIDS Services.
Trenton – World AIDS Day at Trinity Cathedral, 801 W. State St. The event, which runs from 3 to 6:30 p.m., will include workshop discussions, an exhibition of the AIDS memorial quilt, and a service of remembrance. HIV testing also will be available.
Newark – The North Jersey Clinical Research Initiative is holding its annual World AIDS Day event at Symphony Hall, 1030 Broad St. This celebration and social event, which also includes HIV testing, runs from 5-8 p.m. Gary Paul Wright, director of the African American Office of Gay Concerns, will be a featured speaker.
To search the statewide World AIDS Day events calendar visit the Health Department's web site.
For more information on HIV/AIDS, visit the Division of HIV/AIDS Services' web page.
For information on HIV testing, call 1-866-HIV-CHEC or click here.
– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
GLBTOFHUNTERDONCOUNTYOFNJ.COM -
COLLEGE COUNSELING FOR THE REST OF US -
bring you an …
EDUCATION – INFORMATION SEMINAR
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 29TH 6PM
NORTH COUNTY BRANCH LIBRARY
65 HALSTED ST CLINTON NJ 08809
Please bring a coat. We are donating coat to Our Youth.
There will be door prizes and lots of snack and food at the
social/support group.
6:30 PM COLLEGE ASSISTANCE SEMINAR
FACILITED BY MICHAEL SZAREK FROM CCR
College Counseling for the Rest of Us (CCR) is designed to assist those who are traditionally under-served in the college planning process. CCR provide affordable, accessible, applicable college admission and financial aid guidance for traditional-age and adult students from all walks of life.
7:00 PM WORLD AIDS SEMINAR FACILITATED BY ROB DE ANHONY FROM OY.
Our Youth is a non profit organization designed to help LGBT youth and their straight allies within the NJ/NY area. Our Youth provides the young adults job and college assistance, Free and confidential HIV testing, and a variety of weekly activities. Our Youth also attends college, high schools, and youth organizations within the United States providing motivational speeches and workshops on a variety of issue young adults face. The mission of Our Youth is to provided a safe haven for all youth regardless of sexual preference.
Please bring a coat. We are donating coat to Our Youth.
There will be board games and a place for people to talk with each and also lots of chair for people to listen to the quest speaker.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT MATTHEW AT MatthewL@student.fdu.edu
National Coming Day was great lots of door prizes and each month got a door prizes 22 people and more next month as lots of high schools and colleges and lot gay men and women came too. We have some great guest speaker from HRC Parent Planned Hood and The Hiv Progarm all came and talk to the group as there were table for people to talkk with each and some play board games and other games. people were so happy that next month there bring there friends as parents and staff from location college and high schools were happy to come and will be back next month.
http://www.glbtofhunterdoncountyofnj.com/
GLBT OF HUNTERDON COUNTY OF NJ .COM
Open to high school and college students and young adults who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Family, Friends & Educators welcomed
Please bring a coat. We are donating coat to Our Youth.
NOV 29 2011 Guest Speaker is Rob De Anthony From Our Youth.
NOV 29 2011 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm Day Tuesday
will talk about how to get a job and he has a big list of companies that are look for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight youth. Lots of companies are look to people to hire so come and you may have a job as lots of jobs are looking so come and have fun at the glbt social/support group.
Our Youth is a non profit organization designed to help gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight youth (ranging from 15-21) in the New York / New Jersey area.
Our Youth assists the young adults with job placement, college assistants, offering FREE & confidential HIV testing referrals as well as home cooked meals and a weekly support group.
Besides providing services within the Our Youth Center we are also out in the community feeding the homeless, walking to find a cure for a certain disease, as well as volunteering at any event we are needed.
We will have a table with board games and a table for people to talk with each other. There will be snacks at the social/ support group.
Place:
NORTH COUNTY BRANCH OF THE
HUNTERDON COUNTY LIBRARY
65 Halsted Street Clinton, NJ 08809