AIDS Awareness Month

Wear a red ribbon. Have a conversation with someone about AIDS. October is AIDS Awareness Month and these are examples of what can be done to raise awareness among others in our community.

Northwest CT AIDS Project educators will be busy in October raising awareness about HIV/ AIDS through presentations in school and community settings. NCAP educators will also draw attention to the cause on local cable television programming throughout the month and on AIDScope, a weekly radio show on WAPJ 89.9 FM every Wednesday from 2-2:30 p.m. NCAP will also raise awareness by participating in the Women's Wellness Expo as a sponsor and a booth exhibitor. The Expo will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Torrington Armory.

While the majority of people living with HIV are males, the number of women's cases has been steadily rising over the years. In fact, in Connecticut, women represent approximately 35% of cases—a percentage which is twice the national average. Women need to know about HIV and AIDS in order to protect their own sexual health and that of their families as well. Sexual health is part of women's wellness, and therefore we are proud to be a part of the Expo. NCAP will have a booth at the Expo that will offer information and services to women.

Now more than ever, all people—including women—need to know about HIV and AIDS as the epidemic continues to grow and affect us all. People need to know that the disease is not passed casually but is transmitted through sexual contact and blood contact (as with sharing needles for drug use). HIV/ AIDS is preventable if precautions are taken with these behaviors.

People also need to know about available resources. The Northwestern CT AIDS Project, located at 100 Migeon Ave. in Torrington, is Litchfield County's resource on AIDS and provides a full range of services to people infected and affected by the disease. Services include education, case management, counseling and testing.

For more info call Education Coordinator Gina D'Angelo at 860-482-1596, or outside the area toll-free at 800-381-AIDS.