The Faces of AIDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 1, 2011

LAS VEGAS – In recognition of World AIDS Day the Southern Nevada Health District has created a video series, “Facing AIDS” available for viewing on its YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict.

Meet Ivan, Lane, Maryanne and Tracy: the “faces” behind the disease. Learn how they found out their status and how they have dealt with their own personal health challenges while giving back to the community. They share their stories in the hope their experiences prevent just one infection or encourage others to learn their status.

“Despite the significant advances in treating the disease and efforts to reduce the associated stigma, there are still many misconceptions about the illness and the people living with AIDS or HIV infection,” said Dr. Lawrence Sands, chief health officer of the health district.

“These individuals are not only willing to share their stories in order to put a face to the statistics we often use to discuss the disease, many of them have made it their life’s work to assist other AIDS patients in accessing the resources needed to lead long and healthy lives. Their efforts are truly commendable and each one has a remarkable story to tell,” said Sands.

In Clark County, more than 9,000 Southern Nevadans have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS with more than 3,000 deaths from the illness since 1992. More than 3,000 Southern Nevadans are living with HIV and there are more than 2,800 AIDS cases locally. A study by UNAIDS, a joint United Nations program on HIV/AIDS, noted that approximately 33 million people worldwide are living with HIV.

For more information on World AIDS Day activities, contact the Southern Nevada Health District Office of HIV/AIDS, (702) 759-0702 or visit www.SNHD.INFO.

Updated information about the Southern Nevada Health District can be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, on YouTube www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict or Twitter www.twitter.com/SNHDinfo The health district is now available in Spanish on Twitter www.twitter.com/TuSNHD. To follow the health district on Twitter, text 40404 to @SNHDinfo.

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.