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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jewell Williams
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Williams holds forum for students on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – In observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, state Rep. Jewell Williams, D-Phila., held a student forum on AIDS awareness at Dobbins High School last week.
Williams said nearly 200 students from Dobbins High School, Simon Gratz High School and Girard College participated in the forum. A "HIV/AIDS 101" presentation included guest speakers, an educational documentary video, and a question and answer session.
"It’s important to talk to young people about HIV and AIDS, because the diseases remain a very dangerous threat to our communities," Williams said. "We need to continue talking about how the disease and virus are transmitted, what needs to be done to find a cure, and how we can help those diagnosed live with dignity and without fear of discrimination.
"The classroom is a very appropriate
setting to teach students about the seriousness of AIDS and HIV, but that
conversation must continue with parents and guardians at home," Williams
added.
"This is a disease that has had a major impact on every portion of the
globe. Education and testing are essential to ending this terrible disease in
future generations."
Williams said he was pleased with student participation and interest, adding that they asked very good questions, which helped dispel many myths about the disease.
He said many of the students were captivated by William Brawner, a featured speaker at the forum. Brawner spoke about his experiences living with AIDS -- contracted from a blood transfusion when he was 18 months old – and the stigmatization, discrimination, and harsh physical side effects of treatments.
"I was really surprised by Mr. Brawner because it goes to show you that people affected with HIV and AIDS can look just like me," said Jade Kelley Pate, a student at Girard College.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed on Feb. 7 each year as a national community mobilization initiative targeted at blacks in the United States and the Diaspora with a specific focus on education, testing, involvement and treatment.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, blacks are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. While making up only 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for more than 49 percent of AIDS cases. AIDS is now the leading cause of death for black women ages 25 to 34, and the second leading cause of death for black men ages 35 to 44.
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Williams added that although black teens ages 13 to 19 represent only 15 percent of the U.S. teenagers, they account for 68 percent of new AIDS cases reported among teens in 2007.
Due to the winter storm over the past weekend, several other HIV/AIDS awareness programs were cancelled. Constituents may call Williams' constituent service office at 215-763-2559 to find out when they will be rescheduled.
More information on National Black HIV AIDS Awareness Day can be found at www.blackaidsday.org.
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