For Immediate Release
Dec. 1 , 2006                                                              

WHITMAN-WALKER CLINIC MARKS
WORLD AIDS DAY

WASHINGTON - Following is the statement of Donald Blanchon, chief executive officer of Whitman-Walker Clinic, marking World AIDS Day:

“Today, all across the world, millions of people are observing World AIDS Day. This year’s observance has a special meaning, as it falls in the 25th anniversary year of the first report of what would come to be known as HIV/AIDS.

“It is a deeply sobering yet loving day for reflection, remembrance and renewal. Today, we reflect on the devastating human costs that AIDS has inflicted here and abroad over the past three decades. Today, we remember our friends, our loved ones, our colleagues and the millions of people whom we never met who lost their lives to AIDS. And today, we issue a renewed call to action for everyone to unite in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS.

“Our battle rages on in the District of Columbia, where one in 20 adults is HIV-positive. One in 50 adults has full-blown AIDS. D.C. has a higher HIV rate than most of the nations of sub-Saharan Africa.

“Together, we have the power to stop the spread of HIV. Each of us can make a difference not only in our own lives but in the lives of so many others. This power comes from the courage, knowledge, love and understanding that have been so generously given to us by the tens of thousands of individuals who bravely fought HIV over the past 25 years.

“Please join me today in honoring this most precious gift by acting with a renewed sense of urgency, purpose and responsibility every day. We cannot afford another 25 minutes let alone years of loss, suffering and grief. Join us now at Whitman-Walker Clinic in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”

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