Complications from AIDS kills more than 8,000 people across the globe each day. That's five people every minute.
According to the World AIDS Day Web site, HIV is a global catastrophe.
HIV, which is known to cause AIDS, was acquired by more than 3 million people in 2005 so far, causing the global population living with HIV and AIDS to reach more than 40 million.
Today marks the 18th annual World AIDS Day. This international day began in London with the goal of increasing awareness about the virus and encouraging people to get involved in hopes of making a difference in the global fight against HIV and AIDS.
Indiana was ranked 19th in the country for the number of HIV/AIDS patients in 2001. Delaware County has 108 reported cases of AIDS since 1982 and 54 cases of HIV since 1985, according to the Indiana State Department of Health's Web site.
In observance of World AIDS Day, Spectrum will present its second annual theatrical event "Red Room" at 8 p.m. today in Cardinal Hall of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center, Spectrum President Zac Davis said. Spectrum is Ball State's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight ally association.
About 14 people will participate in the 12-act event, which focuses on HIV and AIDS. Each act features the story of a person's life and his or her experience with the virus.
"We began an event in the spring regarding HIV and AIDS, but we decided to move it to Dec. 1 as a way to involve campus in World AIDS Day," Davis said. "It is a good educational tool for everyone."
One act tells the story of a young girl who became HIV positive, and another act depicts the life of the president of the national Delta Sigma Theta sorority. The president became HIV positive and worked on raising awareness for black women. This act will be performed by a member of Ball State's Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Ball State provides opportunities for students to get tested for HIV at the health education office in the Amelia T. Wood Health Center.
Lisa Thomason, health educator, said every Tuesday afternoon the health education office provides free HIV testing. Those wanting to be screened get a blood test, and the results are received in two weeks.
"The testing on Tuesdays is on a regular basis," Thomason said. "For World AIDS Day, the Open Door Family Clinic is giving oral cheek swab testing."
The testing will be available from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Pineshelf Room of the Student Center and should take about 20 minutes.
This year, World AIDS Day encourages people to wear a red ribbon as a sign of support for those who have HIV and AIDS.
As the only official World AIDS Day event in Indiana, Orange County provides a church service where victims or those who have been touched in some way by the HIV and AIDS virus can talk with others and gain support.
Amy Drake, a volunteer with the Orange County Indiana World AIDS Day Observance, said she and members of the church made 100 red ribbons that will be passed out to individuals.
"Each year we follow the theme of World AIDS Day," Drake said. "This year the theme is that we remember to speak up and provide support. We invite folks to light a candle for those they know who have the virus or even for those people they do not know, but still want to show support."
Communities should come together to show support for the victims of this tragic disease, she said.
"Many people think the HIV and AIDS virus will not affect them, but even in a small town the virus affects lives," Drake said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
