Candlelight Vigil Planned in Pittsfield to Mark World AIDS Day
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The American Red Cross HIV/AIDS Program will hold its 22nd annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil to honor those who are living with HIV/AIDS and remember those who have died with AIDS.People will be gathering in front of the Family Court House at Bank Row on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m. A reception with refreshments will follow the reading of the names at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
This year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced that someone in the United States is infected with HIV every 9.5 minutes. As of Dec. 31, 2008, there have been 200 reported cases diagnosed with HIV in Berkshire County; 41 percent of those diagnosed in Berkshire County have died. HIV/AIDS not only affects those who are living with the virus but also impacts families, friends and the community.
It is estimated that by 2007, there were more than 33 million people living with HIV, and over 25 million deaths worldwide. Many of these deaths were children — approximately 31 children die every hour and many more were orphaned.
The good news is that HIV is a preventable disease; medications are more effective in controlling the virus, and although lifesaving medications are only available to 43 percent of those who needed them in 2008, it reflects a 10 percent increase over the prior year. Residents will be gathering to celebrate the hope that 2009 brings even better news.
Dress appropriately; ice and freezing rain will cancel the event. For more information, contact Kelly at the American Red Cross at 413-442-1506, Ext. 23.
