LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
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World AIDS Day Events Are Observed Around the Area |
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World AIDS Day was observed for the first time on December 1, 1988, after a summit of health ministers from around the world called for a spirit of social tolerance and a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS. World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, serves to strengthen the global effort to face the challenges of the AIDS pandemic, which continues to spread throughout every region of the world. This organized effort is designed to encourage public support for programs that prevent the spread of HIV infection and to provide education and awareness of issues surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Although we are greatly encouraged by the recent progress in treating HIV/AIDS, the epidemic is far from over. With an increasing number of people worldwide now living with HIV and AIDS, the global community faces major challenges in guaranteeing that those infected will be able to obtain vital health care services and life-saving drugs. With nearly six million new infections each year, we must recognize that many, particularly in the developing world, will not have access to the new progressive drug therapies that dramatically improve the quality of life for those living with HIV and AIDS.
Several organizations and agencies in Sussex County are making plans to mark the eleventh annual observance of World AIDS Day. On Sunday, November 29, the Rehoboth Beach congregation of the Metropolitan Community Church will focus its worship on the AIDS epidemic and the Churchs response to it. Included in the service will be a selection from Kenneth R. Overberg, S. J. on the subject AIDS, Ethics, and Religion. The mornings sermon, to be delivered by MCC Pastor Tom Bohache, is titled No More War. The service will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the MCC Community Center, Ocean Wave Lodge, Glade Road (271), Rehoboth Beach. For more information, call Rev. Bohache, 302-226-9026. Several events will be taking place in Georgetown on Tuesday, December 1. The HIV Wellness Clinic will be presenting an exhibit of HIV/AIDS information and services in the Public Health Service Center, 544 South Bedford Street in Georgetown. The exhibit will be open during business hours that day. For more information, call the Wellness Clinic at (302) 856-5135. That evening, the Kent-Sussex AIDS Program (KSAP) is hosting a candlelight vigil in Bedford Park. The vigil will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will feature an outdoor exhibit of artwork by local high school students around the theme of AIDS Awareness. The vigil will end with a Memorial Service for persons who have lost their lives due to HIV/AIDS. The service will be at Wesley United Methodist Church, 102 East Laurel Street, Georgetown, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the service. For information, call Ray Collins at 302-856-2388. The Sussex County AIDS Committee (SCAC) is organizing World AIDS Day events to be held in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Plans call for community members to gather at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand at 6:00 p.m. for a short program which will lead into a Candlelight March through downtown Rehoboth Beach. The March will end at Epworth United Methodist Church, 20 Baltimore Avenue, where everyone is invited inside for a Service of Remembrance and Hope. It will begin as soon as the march concludes, approximately 7:00 p.m. The service will have special music and readings, including "The Reading of the Names" of persons who have died from HIV/AIDS. A light-fare reception provided by the Blue Moon Restaurant will follow the service. For more information about these events, call Glen Pruitt at 302-644-1090. |
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LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 15, November 20, 1998. |
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