April 23, 2007

Campus community has several opportunities to support Aids Week of Action

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Panel discussions, anonymous HIV testing, a documentary, a vigil and handing out condoms at downtown Cleveland bars are all part of Case Western Reserve University's observance of AIDS Week of Action now through April 27.

AIDS Week of Action was initiated a few years ago by Physicians for Human Rights and was designed to bring people together in tackling the current and most pressing issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. Chapters of the American Medical Student Association across the United States hold their individual weeks to bring the message to their respective audiences.

Here at Case, the focus of AIDS Week of Action is:
  • To rethink old paradigms
  • To motivate people to keep fighting
  • To increase access
  • To bring to light the reality of HIV and AIDS in the world
  • To bring to light the reality of living with the virus
  • To make people aware of the power they have as residents in one of the most influential states in the country, especially in the year leading up to a presidential election.
  • To directly effect change in attitude
  • To highlight some of the research done here at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Case Medical Center
Event Highlights

Beginning today at 12:30 p.m. at the School of Medicine, Room E-301, an informal discussion on the topic of "25 Years Battling the Virus, but also 25 Years of Incredible Victories" will take place. On April 24, free and anonymous HIV testing will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the School of Medicine. For more details, e-mail Jeff Collins.

The week continues with the showing of a documentary examining the global AIDS crisis -- "A Closer Walk" -- at 12:30 p.m., April 25 in the Biomedical Research Building auditorium. Pizza and beverages will be served. On April 26, advocates are asked to show support on "Lobby Day" by exercising political muscle and campaigning for issues related to HIV. For more information on this event, contact Jose Lozada.

On April 27, volunteers will head to downtown bars to distribute condoms for the "Wrap it Up! Cleveland" campaign. In addition, this is the last day to view the poster session in the BRB lobby featuring groundbreaking research related to HIV being done at the university.

For more details and a complete schedule for the entire week's activities, visit the Case School of Medicine's AIDS Week of Action page.

For more information contact Kimyette Finley, 216.368.0521.

Posted by: Heidi Cool, April 23, 2007 11:17 AM | News Topics: HeadlinesMain, Healthcare, Provost Initiatives, Public Policy/Politics, Research, School of Medicine, Students

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