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TRENTON
- The Department of Health and Senior Services has produced a schedule
of events in New Jersey marking December 1, 2001 as World AIDS Day.
The schedule features 34 events around the state - from a Litany
Morning Worship at St. Mark AME Church in Camden County to a Hyacinth
AIDS Foundation World AIDS Day Commemoration in Jersey City.
Indeed,
December 1st has been a day since 1988 bringing messages of compassion,
hope, solidarity and understanding about AIDS to countries throughout
the world - and New Jersey is a participant in this around-the-world
event. This year's worldwide theme is "I Care...Do You?"
The
calendar and other information about HIV/AIDS can be found on the
department's website at www.state.nj.us/health/aids/aidsprv.htm
-- or by calling (609) 984-6052.
"While
HIV/AIDS deaths are down in New Jersey, the number of people living
with HIV/AIDS continues to increase," said acting Commissioner
of Health and Seniors Services George T. DiFerdinando, Jr., MD.
"Complacency is a concern, and it's important to remind people
that HIV/AIDS continues to be a serious public health issue here
at home."
"The
Department of Health and Senior Services continues to serve those
in New Jersey with HIV/AIDS and to educate our diverse population
on prevention," said Dr. DiFerdinando. "It is necessary
for people to understand that there is no cure for AIDS, and while
treatments exist, preventing infection is the key to stopping the
spread of this deadly disease."
Since
the beginning of the epidemic, there have been 58,186 people reported
with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey. Currently, there are 28,685 adults/adolescents
and 1,320 children in New Jersey living with HIV.
For
information on HIV/AIDS counseling and testing, call the New Jersey
AIDS/STD Hotline at 1-800-624-2377.
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