A Day of Compassion
By Stacey Parr
The fourteenth annual world AIDS Day was observed around the world on December 1, 2001. Since 1988 December 1st has been a day bringing messages of compassion, hope, solidarity and understanding about AIDS to every country in the world. This year's World AIDS Day theme is "I Care ....Do You? Youth and AIDS in the 21st Century." A focus on youth is vital, because half of the people newly infected with HIV in the US are under age 25. Every hour two or more young Americans contract HIV. This year's theme encourages all young people to become more aware of the risks of HIV/AIDS for themselves, their partners, and their children. Empowering young people to use their influence on their families, friends, and communities taps a powerful force in helping to stem the tide of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Because of the magnitude of the pandemic, the US has declared AIDS a national security threat. As of 2001, 36.1 million men, women, and children worldwide are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS, and 9 out of 10 of them do not know they are infected. Approximately 1 in every 100 adults world wide is infected with HIV. In the US alone, 800,000-900,000 people are now living with HIV or AIDS, and 40,000 are newly infected each year. An estimated 28,000 to 38,000 persons in Illinois are infected with HIV. The number of Illinois cases is the sixth highest in the U.S., trailing New York, California, Florida, Texas and New Jersey. According to the Illinois AIDS/HIV Surveillance report there are currently 16 cumulative reported AIDS cases in Effingham County.
World AIDS Day will link communities throughout the United States in a unified observance when the White House dims its lights on the evening of December 1. This visual demonstration will signify the commitment to fight the AIDS global epidemic and will give tribute to people living with HIV/AIDS and to those who have died from AIDS.
Locally, in Effingham, a memorial was held on Friday, November 30th at Heartland Human Services. Testimonies of persons who are infected and affected with HIV were given. A candlelight vigil was also held following the testimonies in remembrance of those who we have lost to AIDS. We must never forget the contributions that they have made. They are the heroes of this war.
One of the biggest problems we continue to have is stigma. People are still afraid of individuals with HIV/AIDS. Stigma affects people's willingness to talk openly and honestly about HIV/AIDS, be tested with HIV themselves even if they know they have engaged in risky behavior, and to enter into treatment. If someone does not know they are infected with HIV, they cannot take advantage of new medical treatment and they may unknowingly infect someone else. Our reaction should be one of compassion and support.
I encourage you to attend the memorial to show your support and compassion as we remember the lives of those who have fallen and celebrate those who are courageously living with AIDS everyday.
This year Heartland Human Services will be sponsoring an Angel Tree at the Mt. Vernon Mall. Each Angel represents a child in the Ryan White Program who is affected by this disease, by having a family member who is infected. Included on the Angel will be the Childs age, sex, and an item they would like to receive for Christmas. If you would like additional information or would like to purchase a gift, please contact Stacey Parr at Heartland Human Services at 217-347-7179.