World AIDS Day To Be Observed Across Wisconsin
Statewide - The 21st annual World AIDS Day will be observed officially world wide on December 1. In Wisconsin, the day’s activities range from special performances and vigils to HIV testing clinics and wearing the color red.
  In Eau Claire, the local office of the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) and the LGBT Community Center of the Chippewa Valley will sponsor a World AIDS Day service featuring:  a time of remembrance, speakers, and a post-service gathering at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Eau Claire, 421 S. Farwell St, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. For more information about the event, contact Suzanne Wulff by phone at: 715-836-7710 Ext 3200 or by email at: Suzanne.wulff@arcw.org
  Green Bay will host a community-wide Red Ribbon community event at the Preble Park Presbyterian Church, 607 Ravenswood, two blocks north of East Town Mall. The evening will offer song, dance, speakers, snacks and beverages. Doors open at 6:30 PM with the event beginning at 7. For more information contact Paul Jacob by phone at: 920-437-7400 Ext. 3110 or by email at: paul.jacob@arcw.org
  In La Crosse the LGBT Resource Center for the Seven Rivers Region is encouraging everyone to wear red and visit the center, 303 Pearl Street, anytime between 9:30 AM an 6 PM. According to organizers, community members should wear red on December 1 to create awareness and show our support for those afflicted by AIDS.
  “We can make a difference and show our unified desire to find a cure and help end AIDS,” Center Director Rosanne St. Sauver said. “If you can’t make it to the Center, please wear Red and help ignite the passion in others to get involved.”
  The Seven Rivers Center is again conducting its “Warm For The Holidays 2” drive for the HIV+ clients served ARCW-La Crosse again this year. Donated items being sought include laundry soap, toiletries, shampoo, cleaning products, paper towels and toilet paper. Donors are asked to drop off their donations to the center by December 11.
  Milwaukee will hold several events to mark World AIDS Day. The Wisconsin AIDS Fund and The Greater Milwaukee Foundation will sponsor a World AIDS  Day event at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation Offices, 101 W. Pleasant Street, Suite 210 from 6 - 9 PM. The evening will celebrate the continuing evolution and efforts of the Wisconsin AIDS Fund and their many supporters. Light appetizers and beverages will be provided. Attendees are asked to RSVP for this event by phone at:414- 366-7045 or by email at: tmartinsek@greatermilwaukeefoundation.org
  St. Gabriel’s Church will host a World AIDS Day Celebration featuring an evening of entertainment, education and awareness. Refreshments and an artwork exhibit will be offered, Doors will open at 5:30 PM,  with the celebration beginning at 6:30 at St. Gabriel’s Church of God in Christ, 5375 N. 37th St.
  In honor of World AIDS Day, free HIV testing will be offered at ARCW’s Milwaukee office, 820 N. Plankinton Ave. December 1-3. HIV testing to those at risk will be by appointment from 4 - 6 PM on December 1 and 2, with extended hours 4 - 8 on December 3. Call 414-225-1608 for an appointment. Free condoms given out to those who get tested.
  In Wausau, Catholic Charities and the local office of ARCW will sponsor a World AIDS Day ceremony featuring speakers, a candlelight ceremony and a memorial walk. The event will be held at Washington Square, 300 3rd St. from 5:30 - 6 PM. A social time will follow with food and beverages available for purchase at a local coffee house. For more information about the event call Dianne at 715-344-2500 Ext.23 or Beth and Jessie at 715-355-6867.
  Details on events in Madison and Sheboygan were not available at Quest’s deadline, though both cities have historically held annual events.
  Started on the first of December in 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2009 is “Universal Access and Human Rights.” World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
  According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.2 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2007 some 2.5 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.
  Wisconsin has seen a 138% increase in new HIV infections among gay men under 30 in the last three years. Particularly intense outbreaks have occurred in the cities of Appleton and Madison.