AIDS Care event in Rochester in August

Rochester, NY – July 20, 2011 – AIDS Care anticipates over 300 women will attend the fifth annual “A Call to Women of Color” Social Gathering at 259 Monroe Avenue in Rochester, NY. The event is free and will be held on Saturday, August 13, from 12:00 noon – 6:00 PM. This year’s event will focus on young women of color between the ages of 13 and 25 due to the alarming new rates of HIV infection within that age group. The goal is to improve the health status of heterosexual women of color through disease risk reduction activities centered on HIV and sexually transmitted diseases“A Call to Women of Color” Social Gathering was piloted, developed and implemented five years ago. The event attendance has grown each year and is now held at AIDS Care’s Monroe Square location.The Social Gathering focuses on empowering Women of Color to engage in conversation, to raise awareness of HIV, and to consider getting HIV tested. Daniele Lyman, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, says, “AIDS Care is proud to offer this opportunity for women of color to be educated on various disease risks, get tested, and learn how to make more informed decisions regarding their health – all within a social venue.”Event highlights will include: keynote speaker, Erika Haygood, Assistant Professor, Liberal Studies Department at Hilbert College; and a few words from Sandra Frankel, Town of Brighton Supervisor and candidate for County Executive. Young women of color will deliver messages around self-esteem and women’s sexual health. Testimonials from those affected by HIV/AIDS will emphasize the importance HIV prevention and knowing one’s HIV status. Confidential HIV counseling and testing will be offered by AIDS Care; and anonymous HIV counseling and testing will be offered by the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute. Blood pressure screenings will also be available.In addition to programs and testing, participants will enjoy lunch, entertainment, incentives for program involvement and a certificate of attendance. The event is free, however space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please R.S.V.P. by August 9 by contacting Jackie Dozier, Minority AIDS Initiatives Program Coordinator, at (585) 210-4126 or via e-mail: jdozier@acRochester.org.For additional media information, contact Stacey Rowe, Associate Director of Marketing at (585) 210-4217.