November 13, 2000

WORLD AIDS DAY: DECEMBER 1ST, 2000

BINGHAMTON, NY - Each year on December 1st, events are held throughout the world in commemoration of World AIDS Day. The day is set aside to remember those lost to AIDS. It is also a time to renew commitment in the fight against the continuing rapid spread of the AIDS epidemic. This year, the local theme for World AIDS Day is "Make A Difference". Each person can make a difference, regardless of race, income, or education level. People all over the region do make a difference, whether by providing information on HIV prevention and AIDS education, advocating for the needs of those with HIV/AIDS, or simply by promoting increased understanding and awareness of HIV/AIDS.

On December 1st, World AIDS Day events will begin in front of the Broome County Courthouse in downtown Binghamton at 6:00 PM, in remembrance of those lost to the disease. Assemblyman Jay Dinga will be an honored guest speaker. Youth groups will participate with others by carrying banners in a silent candlelight march down Court Street at 6:30 PM, to the First Congregational Church at 30 Main Street, Binghamton. Beginning at 7:00pm, a celebration of life program will take place, followed by a youth banner awards presentation and entertainment by the Binghamton City School District High School Jazz Band.

From November 1995 to June 2000, the number of AIDS cases in Broome, Chenango, and Tioga counties as a region has increased by 67%. This does not include the rate of HIV infection, which continues to rise throughout New York State. The NY-Penn Region HIV Care Network, which is organizing World AIDS Day events in Binghamton, is a regional planning coalition for HIV related services throughout Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties. The Network is funded by the Federal Ryan White CARE Act and administered through the New York State Health Department. The Broome County Health Department has served as the lead agency for the Network since July 1, 2000.

For more information, please call the HIV Care Network Coordinator at 607.778.3066.

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