MERCED - The UC Merced Office of Student Life will host a World
AIDS Day event on Friday, Dec. 1, from 6 - 9 p.m. in the
Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Commons on the UC Merced campus.
“We’re thrilled that the event is taking place at UC Merced,”
said Louise Tilston of the Merced County Department of Public
Health, who has served on the organizing committee for the event.
“This helps expand the reach of World AIDS Day beyond the walls of agencies.”
Other organizations collaborating to sponsor the event with the
Office of Student Life and the Health Department are the Merced
AIDS Support Team; Planned Parenthood; Parents, Families and
Friends of Lesbians and Gays; and B.K. Pharmacy.
“The University of California touches the lives of those with
HIV/AIDS and their loved ones in a meaningful way by conducting
research, by promoting education and awareness, and by offering a
safe space for community discussion,” said UC Merced Capital
Planning Director and Staff Assembly President John O. White, who
will be a featured speaker at the event. “We at UC Merced are proud
to offer space and lend support to those individuals and these
organizations still fighting the battle. It is a long- term
commitment on our part.”
The event will also feature other speakers, slide shows, poetry
readings, entertainment by organizations like the Buhach String and
Drum Corps and the Merced Marauders, and a candlelight vigil.
Basic refreshments will also be provided, and a raffle will take
place with tickets costing $1 each. Proceeds will go to pay for
this year’s event and possibly next year’s, as well. Raffle prizes
have been donated by local businesses.
World AIDS Day, December 1, is an opportunity for people
worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. At the local
level you can help stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice by
taking action. In 2006 there were 39.5 million people living with
HIV; 4.3 million new infections; and 2 .9 million AIDS-related deaths.
The public will be welcome to attend the event at UC Merced.
It’s also possible to get involved in the community by volunteering
time or making contributions to local government and local not-for-
profits, including the above-listed organizations participating in
the World AIDS Day Ceremony at UC Merced.
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