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Isaiah House to Lead Local Efforts May 18th is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. It is a day to educate Americans about the need for a vaccine to prevent HIV. This year’s theme is “Real People. Real Progress.” We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of thousands of study volunteers, scientists and health professionals committed to finding a safe and effective vaccine. With the help of these people behind the science, much progress has been made toward developing a safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine. Currently, there are over 20 promising HIV vaccine candidates in various stages of testing. Yet, there is still no vaccine. We are all in this together. All Americans, especially at-risk populations, such as communities of color and those who are sexually active, need to learn more about HIV vaccine research and be a part of making an HIV vaccine a reality.
“This year we are celebrating the real people and the real progress of HIV Vaccine Research by wearing upside-down red AIDS ribbons on May 18th. It gives individuals an opportunity to be a voice for the importance of HIV vaccine research,” said Leonard Recupero, Isaiah House Program Director. “More vaccine candidates than ever before are being tested. It is important to know that HIV vaccines do not contain HIV, and therefore, cannot cause HIV infection,” said Leonard Recupero. “Public understanding and support is essential in efforts to break down stigma and myths about HIV vaccine research.” Local outreach efforts, led by Isaiah House, will include hosting a rally on May 18, from 6:30 PM – 8 PM at Christ Episcopal Church in East Orange (422 Main Street). Guest speakers from Columbia University Medical Center will talk about the need for an HIV vaccine. The Williams Chapel Mass Choir will perform and refreshments will be served after the program. “HIV Vaccine Awareness Day serves as a focal point for us to inform others about the need and importance of vaccines to prevent HIV infection,” said Mr. Recupero. HIV Vaccine Awareness Day activities will be held throughout the United States, providing an opportunity for Americans to learn about the hope, promise and progress of HIV vaccine research. For more information on HIV Vaccine Awareness Day or HIV vaccine, contact Isaiah House at (973) 623-4545 or visit www.aidsinfo.nih.gov, www.vrc.nih.gov or www.hvtn.org or call 1-800-HIV-0440 for a free brochure.
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For the second year in a row, the day will be commemorated
with a twist on a familiar symbol of AIDS awareness. Organizers are asking
people to show support for HIV vaccine research by wearing a red AIDS ribbon
upside down on HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. The upside-down AIDS ribbon forms a
“V”, signifying “vaccines,” the vision of a world without AIDS and symbolizes
the urgent need to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS now. By wearing it, individuals
can express their personal support for HIV research and everyone involved in it.
