World AIDS Day Observance Held at Blasco Public Library by Erie County HIV Task Force

On Monday, December 3, Erie County HIV Task Force presented a World AIDS Day observance at Blasco Public Library, 160 E Front St, Erie PA. Speakers included Erie City Mayor Joe Schember, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, NW PA Rural AIDS Alliance staff member Sonny Concepcion , Community Health Net Ryan White program director Emily Crofoot, and Jim, a local man living with HIV for 36 years. Local coverage was by WICU/WSEE. There were also panels from the AIDS quilt on display at the library, including panels for two Erie County residents.

Erie County Health Department's Laura Beckes emceed the program and talked about Erie County HIV Task Force's initiative for the past year, including the new billboard campaign and new web site, as well as the condom distribution program. Mayor Schember thanked everyone working to fight HIV and end discrimination in Erie. County Executive Dahlkemper gave statistics and insight into how the County was leading the fight against HIV. NW PA Rural AIDS Alliance staff member Sonny Concepcion shared the history of the AIDS Quilt. Community Health Net's Emily Crofoot provided valuable information about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and how it can help prevent HIV infection when taken daily and used with other protective measures. Finally, Jim shared his experiences as someone remaining healthy while living with HV for the past 36 years.

The Erie County HIV Task Force can be found online at echiv.org and also on their Facebook page.

Photos

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