Groups to raise disease awareness in community

 

Each year on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day is observed to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic. Some local and national groups have expanded the day to World AIDS Week.

AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is the symptoms resulting from HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, which weakens the immune system to the point the body can no longer effectively defend itself.

HIV is spread through sharing needles or syringes, sexual contact with someone who is infected or blood transfusions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infection through blood transfusions is rare in countries where blood is screened for HIV.

In Lexington, AIDS Volunteers (AVOL), UK and other organizations are sponsoring free AIDS screening and events such as a candlelight vigil commemorating the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Lexington community.World AIDS Week events

MONDAY, Dec. 1

9 a.m.-11 a.m.: Free HIV screening (Bluegrass Care Clinic, 5th floor, Kentucky Clinic)

9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Free HIV screening (Rooms 113 and 251 of the Student Center)

12:30 p.m.-1 p.m.: Comments on Commitment (UK Hospital Auditorium, HG-611)

1 p.m.-3 p.m.: HIV Certification for Medical Professionals (UK Hospital Auditorium, HG-611)

3 p.m.-4 p.m.: Perinatal Transmission of HIV (UK Hospital Auditorium, HG-611)

4 p.m.-5 p.m.: Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: An Update (UK Hospital Auditorium, HG-611)

5 p.m.: Candlelight vigil commemorating the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Lexington community (Phoenix Park downtown, followed by a reception on the second floor of the adjacent Lexington Public Library)

6 p.m.-8 p.m.: HIV Certification for Medical Professionals (Chrysalis House, 1589 Hill Rise Dr.)

TUESDAY, Dec. 2

1 p.m.-4 p.m.: Free HIV screening (AIDS Volunteers (AVOL) office, 236 N. Limestone St.)

6 p.m.-7 p.m.: STD forum (Student Center)

7 p.m.: My Story: HIV/AIDS Patient Panel (Memorial Hall)

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 3

6 p.m.-8 p.m.: Free HIV screening (AVOL office, 236 N. Limestone St.)

7 p.m.: The Legacy of Ryan White as Told by His Mother Jeanne White-Ginder (Memorial Hall)

THURSDAY, Dec. 4

1 p.m.-4 p.m.: Free HIV screening (AVOL office, 236 N. Limestone St.)

SATURDAY, Dec. 6

7 p.m.: Red Ribbon Ball with a silent and live auction, and an award presentation. Tickets $75. (Red Mile, Octagon Barn)

9 p.m.: Red Ribbon Dance. Tickets $25. (Red Mile, Octagon Barn)