UMFK joins ACAP in recognizing World AIDS Day

    Monday, Dec. 1, is recognized as World AIDS Day. The University of Maine at Fort Kent will hold a vigil on campus at 6 p.m. in front of Cyr Hall to help raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.     According to Advocates for Youth, this day was first set aside in December 1988 to raise awareness, fight prejudice and improve education around AIDS. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV and AIDS has not gone away and that there are many things that still need to be done to help reduce the rates of people contracting this virus.
    HIV has been around for more than two decades and there continue to be approximately 4,261 people diagnosed each month with this virus worldwide. HIV destroys the body’s immune system which makes a person more vulnerable to other infections like the common cold or the flu virus.
    World AIDS Day was originally organized by United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) who chose the theme after consulting with other organizations. In 2005, UNAIDS transferred the responsibility for this day to an independent organization known as The World AIDS Day Campaign.
    According to a 2008 report prepared by the UNAIDS, it is estimated that 30.8 million adults and two million children were living with HIV at the end of 2007. The year also saw two million deaths from AIDS – a high global trend.
    HIV testing is available at ACAP Health Services in their Family Planning sites located in Fort Kent, Houlton and Presque Isle.
    Appointments can be made by calling toll free at 800-432-7881 and by asking for the health center nearest you. All testing is anonymous and needle-free.
    For more information about World AIDS Day, call Wendy Page, community education specialist, at ACAP at 768-3056 ext. 633.
    ACAP provides the people of Aroostook with services and programs in the areas of health, child and family, energy and housing, and employment and training.