The Observer, September 29, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 5
AIDS awareness campaign
Today, Case students will get to see the efforts of several student groups across campus that have combined to sponsor events that raise awareness about the global AIDS pandemic.
These events have been designed both to promote knowledge about the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, and to educate about the necessity of improving access to medication and testing.
Last year, the Case chapter of the Student Global AIDS Campaign (SGAC) filled Nord and Sears with 783 red balloons which represented the number of AIDS-related deaths that occur every two hours.
"The Red Balloon Campaign last semester was a great way to get word out about SGAC, and things that students could do to get involved in the fight against AIDS," said Preethi Mani, chair of programming for SGAC.
Together, SGAC and Global Medical Initiative have decided to repeat the event. This year for the campaign Nord and Sears will have 800 balloons, which is the approximate number of new AIDS infections that occur every eight hours.
Red ribbons and paper shoes will be sold for one dollar, with the proceeds benefiting AIDS Quilt Foundation and the Cleveland Free Clinic, respectively.
Throughout the day, the Rainbow Performance Area of University Hospitals will feature a presentation by the Cleveland AIDS Task Force entitled "Giving Women Power Over AIDS. "
This presentation presents photos that portray the difficulties of women and children growing up with the threat of AIDS, and offers insight into development of new preventative techniques.
Later that evening, from 8-11 p.m., SGAC and Case Democrats are co-sponsoring Case's first-ever Red Party at Carlton Commons. The event will allow students to dance and meet others who share concern about the AIDS issue.
As many know, AIDS is not only a health issue, but a political one as well, requiring funding for research and international negotiations for effective drugs.
These issues involve discussion and awareness, which is the purpose of the Red Party. Those who will be attending are asked to wear red.
These events are good news for many Case students who share concerns about the global severity of HIV/AIDS. "AIDS is a very big problem today. It's wrong to assume it will be alright if we just ignore it," said student Yashi Gupta.
The events taking place around campus are designed to let Case students know just how prevalent the disease is. "With 40 million worldwide living with it, AIDS is truly the crisis of our generation, and it is up to us as future leaders to do something about it," said SGAC Chapter Leader Kathryn Martires.
If a student is interested in becoming involved with the Case chapter of the Student Global AIDS Campaign, he or she can contact Kathryn Martires at kjm18@case.edu or Nilu Khan at nilu@case.edu.
