University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
For Immediate Release:	November 23, 1998
Contact: Kristen Scholly, UH Health Education Coordinator 956-3574

World AIDS Day observances planned at UH Manoa World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, is a global day of remembrance for those lost to AIDS and a global acknowledgment that there is much more work to do in the fight to end the epidemic. The theme for this year's World AIDS Day is "A Force for Change." This year World AIDS Day activities will include a Red Ribbon Campaign, in which people are asked to wear red ribbons to express their concern about the disease, which has in some way affected nearly everyone. "We hope to increase awareness of World AIDS Day by distributing more than 3,000 red ribbons around the UH Manoa campus," says UH Health Education Coordinator Kristen Scholly. "Each ribbon worn serves as a symbol of hope and strengthens our efforts to stop the spread of HIV," the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS. In addition, the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be displayed at the UH Manoa Campus Center. Public displays of the quilt have been an important part of World AIDS Day events in years past. The quilt can be a powerful catalyst for discussions about HIV-related issues. It serves as a dramatic focal point for HIV prevention and education programs. World AIDS Day at UH Manoa is coordinated by the World AIDS Day Coalition, a nonprofit group of public and private agencies and concerned citizens.

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