A day of events for HIV/AIDS awareness will take place this Sunday in Wichita. It will coincide with the national World AIDS Day.
Dr. Donna Sweet of the KU School of Medicine has been at the front of the fight against AIDS for 30 years. Dr. Sweet sat down with KMUW's Aileen LeBlanc to talk about the current status of the disease, both nationally and locally.
According to Dr. Sweet:
- There are over 50,000 new cases every year.
- If you have HIV and you are treated, you can live a long life and your risk to others is reduced.
- 25% of new cases are in the under 24-year-old demographic.
- Education about dangerous sexually transmitted diseases is lacking.
- The stigma still remains.
- HIV testing should be part of routine health care.
A World Aids Day event will be held in Wichita on December 1 at the First Metropolitan Community Church located at 156 S. Kansas.
The event begins at 2:00pm. Gathering for a memorial walk will begin at 1:45 in the parking lot of the American Red Cross on Douglas and Hydraulic.
Dr. Sweet will be the guest speaker and the musical guest will be Diversity. Attendees will have the option to contribute to a quilt that will honor and remember all of those lost through the years.
A chili cook off will be held after the service and proceeds will go to local AIDS service programs.
If you have questions about the event, please contact Teresa Romey at 293-3427.