November 18, 2002

WORLD AIDS DAY WEEK:  DECEMBER 1-7, 2002

Charlotte, NC – The face of AIDS is changing.  It is no longer a disease exclusive of the gay and drug using community.  The number of heterosexual citizens in Mecklenburg County testing positive for HIV is growing.  In fact, 60% of the clients counseled at Metrolina AIDS Project are women who contracted HIV through heterosexual contact.

That is why the Mecklenburg County Health Department, Metrolina AIDS Project, the Regional HIV/AIDS Consortium, the Syphilis Elimination Program and other partners are teaming up for World AIDS Day the week of December 1-7, 2002.   Throughout the week, clinics across Mecklenburg County will offer free testing for HIV and syphilis.  A number of events are scheduled to kick off World AIDS Day:

Sunday, December 1: Kickoff Events in the Faith Community
(HIV+ Speakers, Educational Services, Candlelight Vigils, etc.)

Monday, December 2:  Taking it to the Streets (Community Outreach) 10am-4pm
Meet at 301 S. Brevard St-United Way Building at 10am

Friday, December 6: Youth and Parent Summit, 6:00-8:00 PM
1 University Park Baptist Church, 2348 Keller Ave. Charlotte, NC

Saturday, December 7: Art in the Park, 3:00-5:00 PM
    Candlelight Vigil, 5:00-6:00 PM
    Food, fun, games for kids, agency fair and education!
    First Ward Park, 610 East 7th St. Charlotte, NC  28202

Free and confidential HIV and syphilis tests are being offered in the Mecklenburg County area.  Citizens are urged to take the test and take control of their lives, especially if they have ever had any other sexually transmitted disease or unprotected sex.  For more information, contact Peyton Savage at Metrolina AIDS Project, check out the website at www.metrolinaaidsproject.org, or call the hotline at (704) 432-TEST.

Free and confidential HIV/Syphilis testing will take place on Tuesday, December 3rd at the following Mecklenburg County locations and times:

NW Health Department 2845 Beatties Ford Road 8-11am & 1-3:30pm

SE Health Department 249 Billingsley Road 8-11am & 1-3:30pm

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3301 Beatties Ford RoadRooms 101-103 10am-1pm

Community Health Services 1401 East Seventh Street 5pm – 8pm
Myers Tabernacle AME Zion Church 509 Cherry Street 6-8pm

Free and confidential HIV/Syphilis testing will take place on Wednesday, December 4th at the following Gaston and Mecklenburg County locations and times:

Marshall I. Pickens Wellness Center 2704 Baltimore Avenue(off Remount Road) 10am-4pm

Community Health Services 1401 E. 7th St. 5pm-8pm

Friendship Baptist Church 221 W. Bradley Ave.Gastonia, NC 6:30-8:30pm

NW Health Department 2845 Beatties Ford Rd. 10-1pm & 3-6pm

SE Health Department 249 Billingsley Rd. 8-11am & 1-3:30pm
 
Additional free and confidential testing sites:

Cleveland County Health Dept. 315 E. Grover St.Shelby, NC  28150 M-F/ 8am-4pm(704) 484-5100

Open Door Clinic 1400 5th St.Statesville, NC  28677 M-F/ 8am-5pm(704) 838-1234

Metrolina AIDS Project: Peyton Savage (O) 704-602-2414 (M) 704-968-2036 or psavage@metrolinaaidsproject.org

Regional HIV/AIDS Consortium: Sonia Crawley (O) 704-371-6340 or sjcrawley@uwcentralcarolinas.org