LANSING - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), Division of Health, Wellness & Disease Control (DHWDC) recognizes World AIDS Day through a series of events and observations. The theme for this year's World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, 2011, is Getting to Zero. Zero new infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths. The observance will mark the 30th year of the first cases of HIV which garnered the world's attention. As of October 2011, a total of 19,500 people were estimated to be living with HIV in Michigan.

"Only by working together to set our future course, can we accelerate greater results in the fight against HIV and AIDS," said Olga Dazzo, Director of the MDCH. "MDCH will continue its work to make prevention education and access to care available for all Michigan citizens."

The MDCH, DHWDC in conjunction with the Detroit Department of Health & Wellness Promotion, Southeastern Michigan HIV/AIDS Council, Alere, Gilead Sciences, MAC Cosmetics, and the Wayne County Department of Public Health, will recognize World AIDS Day on Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Dec. 1, at the Northwest Activity Center in Detroit. Activities include free and confidential HIV testing, STD and syphilis screenings, as well as diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, and vision screenings. Various HIV/AIDS community organizations will be displaying information about the services they provide, and several workshops will address HIV/AIDS and STD prevention.

To mark the 30th year, lunch keynote speaker Staci Bush, Community Medical Liaison from Gilead Services, will present "HIV Then & Now." Cynthia Rodgers, a Patient Advocate from Birmingham, Ala. also will be on hand to make remarks of encouragement to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The closing keynote speaker for this year's observance will be Dr. Anthony D. Atkins, a physician at Lima Community Health Center in Lima, Ohio. Dr. Atkins will present "LIFESTORYZ STATE OF EMERGENCY," a rap, hip-hop and rhythm and blues project that delivers positive and informational messages to help inner city youth make the right choices about health and sex.

The MDCH, DHWDC continues to provide HIV/STD prevention, education and care services statewide, as well as training, to support Michigan's HIV/AIDS and STD service providers. For more information, please contact the World AIDS Day Planning Committee Chair, Tracy Peterson-Jones.

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