Getting to Zero Partners with Local Organizations to Commemorate World AIDS Day December 1

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 27, 2017
Contact: Candelario Franco, candelariof@healthtrust.org, (408) 705-5735

Candlelight Vigil, Flag Raising, City Hall Lighting Up Red, and Other Events Encourage Public to Get Tested

SAN JOSE, CA – On November 28th, San Jose City Hall will light up red, kicking off a week of red ribbon events promoting AIDS awareness. The events are organized by The Santa-Clara-County- funded Getting to Zero Initiative, in partnership with The Health Trust, SV Pride, Project MORE Foundation, City of San Jose Councilmember Raul Peralez, and the County of Santa Clara HIV Commission, and with support from the Bay Area Equality Coalition and its members.

Honored each December since 1988, World AIDS Day unites people worldwide in the fight against HIV and commemorates those who have died from AIDS-related illness.

“Thanks to Santa Clara County’s early commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS, we really do have the potential to get to zero,” said Bob Reed of the County HIV Commission. “We need those at risk to get tested for HIV, those living with HIV to take their medication, and those at high risk of infection to consider taking a preventive medication like PrEP.”

As of December 2016, 3,208 people with a diagnosis of HIV were known to be living in Santa Clara County, including 134 who were newly diagnosed in 2016. More than 2,400 AIDS related deaths have been reported in Santa Clara County since the beginning of the epidemic. The State of California estimates that 9% of people with HIV do not know they have the infection, which meaning an estimated 320 people are living with HIV in the County and unaware of their infection.

“We have HIV treatment that allows people to live full and healthy lives and reduce their risk of spreading HIV, and we also have pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a safe and effective daily prescription pill that can prevent someone from getting HIV,” said Dr. Sarah Lewis, Assistant Health Officer and STD/HIV Controller at Santa Clara County Public Health Department. “With treatment and prevention available, we collaborate with community partners to make sure people have easy, affordable access to the care and medications they need.”

HIV affects specific populations disproportionately across Santa Clara County. Certain individuals–including gay and bisexual men, Black women and men, Latinos and Latinas, people who inject drugs, transgender women, and young people – are at greater risk for HIV. However the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend everyone ages 15-65 get tested for HIV at least once.

Everyone can make a difference:

• Get tested for HIV by going to GetTestedSCC.org to find local, free, low-cost HIV testing
• Wear a red ribbon, the symbol of HIV awareness and support, and let people know why you are wearing it
• Participate in any of the scheduled events commemorating World AIDS Day 2017.

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About Getting to Zero

Getting to Zero HIV (GTZ) Santa Clara County-Silicon Valley is a four-year initiative that will strive for Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Deaths related to HIV/AIDS, and Zero HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination in Santa Clara County. It is a collaborative effort between the County of Santa Clara and community partners, including The Health Trust, with funding provided by Santa Clara County. To learn more visit www.gettingtozeroscc.org.

About the Santa Clara County Public Health Department

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department focuses on protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, disease and injury prevention, and the promotion of sound health policy.

To learn more about how the Public Health Department serves the people who live, work study and play in Santa Clara County. Please visit our website: sccphd.org, and follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sccpublichealth/.

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