Governor and Mrs Chafee Step Up for AIDS Walk for Life

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

GoLocalProv Health Team

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"Prevention is key": the Chafees

HIV/AIDS is still very much a threat, says Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, and he’s concerned that the prevention message is not being heard.

“Prevention is key,” said the Governor. “That’s the theme of this year’s AIDS Walk for Life, and I’m hoping as many people as possible will attend to raise awareness and to raise money to fight HIV and AIDS,” he said.

The Governor and First Lady Stephanie Chafee, one of Rhode Island’s first nurses to work exclusively with AIDS patients, are honorary co-chairs of the Sunday, October 2 AIDS Walk for Life. Funds raised benefit AIDS Project Rhode Island, which offers a range of services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Praise for the Chafees' commitment

AIDS Project RI Executive Director Thomas Bertrand praised Governor and Mrs. Chafee for their commitment to fighting HIV and AIDS. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 20% to 30% of individuals infected with HIV don’t know their status," he said. "The support of Governor and Mrs. Chafee will be extremely helpful in our efforts to expand HIV testing to help people learn their status.”

HIV remains a persistent public health problem, Bertrand said. “Over the past 10 years there have been over 100 new HIV infections every year in Rhode Island. We’re asking every Rhode Islander to help us get this number under 100 in upcoming years. The fact is HIV/AIDS is potentially deadly, extremely expensive to treat, and totally preventable.” HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV damages the body by destroying blood cells that help fight infections.

Take Charge! Get Tested!

“Take Charge! Get Tested!” is the theme for this year’s October 2 AIDS Walk for Life, which begins with registration at 9am and kicks off at 10 am. More than 500 walkers are expected to travel the 3.08 mile route, which begins on the State House lawn and travels to Wickenden Street in the Fox Point neighborhood before circling back on South Main Street and eventually back to the State House. More information is available at www.aidsprojectri.org.

Rapid HIV testing will be available at the event, as will the AIDS Quilt. “Walkers will be able to walk with a quilt panel if they wish,” said Amy Stein, the walk’s manager. Entertainment will be by “The 18 Wheelers” from The Wheeler School, and NBC 10’s Barbara Morse Silva will emcee.