November 30, 2004

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) will commemorate World AIDS Day on Wednesday, December 1 at Cadillac Place in Detroit from 10 am to 2 pm.

World AIDS Day is an international effort designed to inform citizens worldwide about HIV/AIDS. The theme for World AIDS Day 2004 is“Women, Girls, and HIV and AIDS”. The MDCH World AIDS Day event in Detroit will feature information booths, HIV testing, and remarks by state and city health officials, including Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, M.D. Michigan’s Surgeon General.

“The HIV and AIDS epidemic is a crisis all around the world, and right here in our own communities,” Wisdom said. “This year on World AIDS Day 2004, we are focusing on the increasing number of young girls and women infected with HIV/AIDS and the urgent need to address the many factors that contribute to a woman's vulnerability and risk.”

Worldwide, approximately 11 of every 1000 adults aged 15 to 49 are HIV-infected. Women account for nearly half of all people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS.

Nationally, it is estimated that 850,000 to 950,000 people are living with HIV infection, one quarter of whom are unaware of their infection.

Within the State of Michigan, more than 16,200 residents are living with HIV/AIDS. Of that number, an estimated 3,660 are women.

In the Detroit Metro Area, more than 6,000 residents are living with HIV/AIDS, with women comprising 1,776 of those residents. Further breakdown reveals that 82% of infected women are African-American, 14% are White, 3% are Hispanic, and 2% are other or unknown race.

For more information on HIV/AIDS and World AIDS Day, contact the Michigan Department of Community Health, Division of HIV/AIDS-STD at 517-241-5900 or the Michigan AIDS Hotline at 800-872-2427.

The following is a list of World AIDS Day activities taking place in Michigan.

Lansing Area : 12/1/04

Hannah Community Center: 11:00 am Proclamation & Speakers, Film – In Women’s Hands Names project AIDS, Memorial Quilt Display. 12:00 pm The Silent March and Demonstration

Kresge Art Muesum: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Display

Michigan State University Campus: Health Advocates of the Olin Health Center will be tying Red Ribbons around trees

Fairchild Theater- MSU Campus: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Benefit Concert (Proceeds benefit the Lansing Area AIDS Network)

For more information, please contact Patrick Lombardi at the Lansing Area AIDS Network at (517) 394-3719, ext. 14

Grand Rapids Area: 12/1/04

Kent County Health Department: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Artist Express AIDS II, Stitches Doll project display, Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Display, “The Ribbon of Dreams”, Interactive Learning Stations highlighting the impact of HIV/AIDS on women & girls.

Grand Valley State University’s Winter Hall: 2:00pm – 5:00pm Free HIV Testing

For more information, please call Michelle Johnson at (616) 336-2251

Ann Arbor Area: 12/1/04

HIV/AIDS Resource Center (HARC): 7:00pm – 9:00pm Artwork & Observance, Orasure testing, HIV testers will receive a safe sex kit. Special literature will be available.

For more information, please call 1-866-HIV Test

Detroit Area: 12/1/04

Sinai-Grace Hospital: 9:00am – 12:00pm World AIDS Day Observance

For more information, please call (313) 592-3518.

Royal Oak: 12/1/04

National Shrine of the Little Flower, 7:30pm Candlelight Vigil Service

For more information, please call (313) 237-5978.