AEGiS News - March 27, 2006

We are doing something really important to help other people, and we are writing to ask for your help. AEGiS is participating in the 20th Annual AIDS Walk Orange County (AWOC) on June 4th and is a proud recipient agency of AWOC, hosted by AIDS Services Foundation. We would like to invite you, your family and friends to represent us by participating in this event.

AIDS Walk draws more than 7,500 participants from corporations, small businesses, religious and non-profit organizations, schools and individuals. All funds raised by AIDS Walk remain in Orange County where they help fund direct services for people affected by HIV/AIDS and educational programs to prevent the spread of HIV.

There is no entry fee, but participants are encouraged to obtain donations for their efforts. By raising money to help in the fight against AIDS, you can earn prizes like an event t-shirt, ball cap, or a Disneyland Resort ticket!

We hope you will participate in whatever way you can.....

Please visit our AIDS Walk team webpage and join Team AEGiS, make an on-line pledge in our name, come and visit our Health Education Expo exhibitor booth on the day of the AIDS Walk - or do all three!

Why should YOU walk?

HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the most devastating diseases humankind has ever faced. The stark realities of the AIDS epidemic in Orange County are:

• Orange County ranks 5th among all 58 California counties in cumulative AIDS cases reported through 2004
• HIV infection in Orange County continues to rise. Experts believe that there are more than 1,200 people in Orange County who are HIV positive and are unaware of their status
• Women comprised 11% of Orange County AIDS cases in 2004, up from 8% of cases reported prior to 2000
• Latinos comprise 33% of Orange County's population, yet accounted for 48% of AIDS cases in 2004; this represents a 100% increase compared to the proportion of cases prior to 2000
• In 2004 African Americans showed a 40% increase compared to the proportion of cases prior to 2000
• There is NO CURE for HIV/AIDS

AIDS Services Foundation Orange County along with AIDS Walk's eight recipient agencies provide critical services to people living right here in Orange County who are affected by HIV/AIDS. Some of those services include:

• Transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing
• Providing transportation to and from medical appointments
• Providing clients with food on a monthly basis
• Delivering prevention programs to local high schools
• Performing safe and confidential HIV testing

For more information please visit:

AWOC: www.aidswalk.org/oc

AIDS Services Foundaiton: www.ocasf.org

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Copyright © 2006 - Reproduced courtesy of copyright owner - listed on source line.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .