AIDS day links local groups

Several local organizations united Saturday in honor of World AIDS Day.\nWorld AIDS Day emerged from the call by the World Summit of Ministers of Health on programs for AIDS prevention in 1988. It has a special place in the history of the AIDS epidemic because of its steps to open channels of communication, promote sharing of information and experience and spread social tolerance.\n\"World AIDS Day is a reminder of the horrible disease that people do not think about daily,\" senior Lauren Cohen, said. \nA Service of Remembrance was held at Trinity Church for friends, family members and concerned community members of AIDS patients and victims. Following the ceremony a Celebration of Hope took place around the courthouse, spreading inspiration and hope. Penny Caudill of the Monroe Health Department said organizers wanted the day to end on a positive note. \n\"The victims as well as the family members of AIDS patients go through so much, we wanted them to know that there is support and hope to be found,\" she said. \nOutreach Kenya Development Volunteers held a benefit concert at Rhino\'s Music Club. Four bands played, donating all proceeds to Outreach Kenya. \n\"These proceeds will go toward educating Kenyans about AIDS,\" Mary Wright, the head of this event and member of Outreach Kenya Development Volunteers said. \"Our organization has witnessed the tragedy of the AIDS epidemic.\" \nThe benefit concert urged against the silence and stigma that surrounds the causes of the high-rate of infection in the Western Province.\nWorld AIDS Day is the only national day of coordinated action against AIDS. AIDS Awareness Week if scheduled for Feb. 14-19. The week is dedicated to inform students of the AIDS virus and to remember those who have suffered and are suffering from AIDS. IU is preparing to bring more than 400 panels of the Names Project AIDS Quilt, which has more than 40,000 panels. Schools around the community will also be hosting 'What If,' an interactive group on AIDS education.