Empower 'U' to hold empowerment conference on World AIDS Day, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012

News release from Empower 'U' Miami:

World AIDS Day 2012

It has been 24 years since the World Health Organization and the United Nations first declared December 1st as World AIDS Day, a day when “people worldwide…unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and…commemorate people who have died” (www.worldaidsday.org). In Miami- Dade County Black/African Americans represent 19% of the population, but in 2011 accounted for 41% of new infections, 47% of people living with HIV, and 52% of new AIDS diagnoses (MDCHD). Considering these alarming statistics, Empower “U” Inc. (EU) stands in solidarity with individuals infected with/affected by HIV/AIDS and raise awareness on the importance of gaining factual knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and breaking down the stereotypes and prejudices around these issues. EU will commemorate the 24^th Annual World AIDS Day: “Getting to Zero” on Saturday, December 1^st, 2012 by hosting a block party/health fair at our location: 8317 NW 22^nd Avenue from 8 am to 5 pm; the activities will include:

World AIDS Day Walk: The walk is an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in our high prevalence communities and around the world.

Get Tested Miami Campaign: This is a collaborative effort between the Miami-Dade County Health Department, HIV counselors, community-based organizations, private and public sector, faith-based organizations, health care providers, and concerned citizens that aims to:

1. Promote routine HIV testing

2. Improve Miami-Dade residents’ understanding of HIV

3. Reduce transmission of HIV

Medical Screenings: EU’s mobile testing units will also provide free and confidential medical screenings for other non-communicable chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol

Seminars, Workshops and Open House: Safer Sex, Relationships, HIV Prevention and Intervention, Health and Wellness

World AIDS Day Dance Competition: Local dance groups will compete for $1,000 in two (2) categories: (1) Individual (2) Group. Individuals and groups will be judged on: general appearance, routine construction, execution, professionalism, and showmanship. A panel of qualified Judges will conduct scoring and decide winners. All participants must include an HIV prevention theme in their dance routine.

HIV/AIDS is preventable and treatable — early HIV diagnosis and treatment helps those who are positive live longer and healthier lives, and also reduces the spread of the disease.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) identifies stigma as a major contributor to the spread of HIV, keeping people from seeking information, speaking openly, using protection, getting tested and treated and otherwise acting to protect themselves and those they love.

Comments

[Tremaine]

Thanks Steve for posting our event for World AIDS Day 2012. If anyone has any questions for our event please email me at Tjones@empower-u-miami.org or Melvin Fort at mfort@empower-u-miami.org.

[Fitness Wellness Guide]

Fantastic idea!! Implementation of this workshops makes people to be aware of info on HIV and decreases the HIV rate.