December 1, 2010 marks the 22nd year since the inception of World AIDS Day in 1988, a day for increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS and remembering those who have died or been affected by this deadly virus. The theme this year is once again Universal Access and Human Rights.  This international theme hopes to highlight the importance of gaining access to HIV/AIDS treatment, both prevention and care, for everyone who needs it throughout the world.

It is believed that over 33.4 million people are now living with the virus that has killed nearly 30 million since 1981. In the United States more than 1.1 million people have HIV, many of whom are unaware that they are infected. It is believed that nearly half of all newly infected persons, both here and around the world, get infected before the age of 25. These statistics become even more alarming when we look closer to home. Of the 50 states, New York has the largest number of people living with HIV (over 46,000) and the largest number of people living with AIDS (over 75,000). These huge numbers mean that thousands more people – family members, friends, neighbors – are affected by this virus because they have a loved one who has died from AIDS or is battling the virus. These large numbers also mean that all of us are at greater risk. Knowing the facts is important, and World AIDS Day is a good day to learn them.

HIV, the virus that weakens your immune system and results in AIDS, can only be transmitted to another person in three ways. You can get HIV if…

1. …you have unprotected sex with someone who has HIV/AIDS (remember, most people with the virus do not know they have it).

2. … the blood of someone who is infected with HIV/AIDS gets into your body (and this usually happens through the sharing of needles).

3. … an HIV/AIDS infected mother passes it to her unborn baby, or she passes it during childbirth, or by nursing her baby.

If you are not involved in any of these three activities, you cannot get HIV; you are 100% safe. If you are, learn how to be safer.

On Wednesday, December 1 Dawn Tosto (“Go Ask Dawn”) of Hudson River Health Care will be outside the cafeteria for all three lunch periods. Dawn will answer questions as well as have pamphlets available for those who want to learn more on their own.

Dawn will also distribute free red ribbons, the international symbol of World AIDS Day awareness. Wearing a  red ribbon shows that you care and that you are hoping for a cure. Dawn’s goal is for students to get educated so they can stay SAFE!