Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Miami Herald - February 20, 2005
The student-led Rocket Awareness Program at Miami Central High School that targets HIV/AIDS is launching a "We're No. 1 (in HIV/AIDS)" campaign to push for a school-based health clinic.
The group will hold a pep rally at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in front of the school, 1781 NW 95th St. in North Central Dade.
The program, which takes its name from the school mascot, comprises peer instructors who educate students and faculty about HIV awareness and prevention. Over the last five years, they have traveled as a group around the community to spread the word about the deadly disease. RAP president Rodney Pierre and vice president Courtney Holland said they had hoped the clinic would open this school year but they found out money was not available.
"We have contacted all of the schools that already have clinics and talked to the people who created them, run them, and fund them. We have been told that there is little possibility of opening our clinic, because there is no funding for it," Pierre and Holland wrote in a letter to Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, who has taken a strong interest in promoting AIDS awareness.
"Moreover, we have been told that the clinics that are open now are in the process of being closed. However, we are not dismayed. The lack of money should not be a reason to allow people to die," Pierre and Holland said in their letter.
As part of the campaign to push for the clinic, RAP will sponsor various activities and make public service announcements to influence school and community involvement, obtain support from the public and participation from sponsors.
RAP said more than 128,000 people in Florida are living with HIV and AIDS, with Miami-Dade County recorded more than 39,500 cases by early 2004.
Although Central High is located in an area with high rates of HIV infection, the school does not have a health clinic or even a nurse, RAP said.
Wednesday's rally will include a march around the school block, with marchers carrying signs and posters. Information will be provided on HIV/AIDS-related issues.
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