As World AIDS Day approaches on December 1 there are new initiatives launching to expand awareness of HIV/AIDS beyond one day. AIDS Awareness Week—A San Antonio Collaborative is one of many. As we have raised awareness each year for December 1 the question has been brought forth, “Why only one day?” Those who have been significantly touched by HIV/AIDS would like more time and opportunity to recognize the impact of this disease. In response to this desire, area based agencies, schools, organizations, and friends are being invited to take part in AIDS Awareness Week, December 1-7.
“We initiated AIDS Awareness Week to extend service to the community,” says SAAF’s Executive Director, David Ewell. “Our resource website, www.saAIDSweek.org allows the public to learn about projects, programs and events that are happening the week of World AIDS Day. By virtue of our name the public, understandably, assumes we know about all related events in the city, but we simply don’t. By developing this website the community can find out about what’s happening in their area but we need submissions in order to make the project effective”.
AIDS Awareness Week was developed by the San Antonio AIDS Foundation to enhance the week in which World AIDS Day falls on. Through AIDS Awareness Week groups and agencies are allowed the flexibility to present more projects and events during the week rather than have them limited to one day. SAAF invites the local community, groups, and schools to submit their events that would take place on the same week but are also associated with raising awareness for HIV/AIDS.
The public is asked to use the project website, www.saAIDSweek.org, as a resource to find out about events happening throughout the city. Additionally, events and projects who would like to be listed on this resource website, deadline for submission is Thursday, November 21. To learn about the initiatives and how to take part, everyone is encouraged to visit www.saAIDS week.org to submit your event. Any additional questions should be sent to marketing@txsaaf.org or call (210) 225-4715, ext. 141.
AIDS Awareness Week
AIDS Awareness Week (AAW) is an extension of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), a full week to present events or awareness programs. AIDS Awareness Week will occur on the full week in which World AIDS Day falls, which this year is December 1-7. www.saAIDSweek.org
The San Antonio AIDS Foundation
The San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF), founded in 1986, is the oldest HIV/AIDS community-based organization in Bexar County. SAAF has the dual mission to provide compassionate care and services to people with HIV/AIDS and to help prevent the spread of HIV through education and HIV testing. www.txsaaf.org