In 2009, 122 new cases of HIV infection have
been reported in Wisconsin since January
10,445 cases of HIV infection have been reported
in Wisconsin since 1983
Approximately 6,700 people are presumed living
with HIV/AIDS in Wisconsin today
22% of new HIV
cases were among young people ages 15-24
20% of new HIV
cases were among women
Race/ethnic
minorities comprise only 12% of the Wisconsin
population, but 54% of all HIV cases reported in
2008 were members of racial/ethnic minorities
In 2008, 68%
of all new HIV cases were among gay men
Experts estimate that 1 in 4 individuals living
with HIV are unaware of their status
HIV is a disease that affects people regardless
of age, gender, race, socioeconomic status and
sexual orientation
HIV infections have been reported in all 72
counties in Wisconsin, with concentration in
Milwaukee County
Nearly 40% of
HIV patients have no health care coverage
Over 50% of
HIV patients cannot afford their HIV medications
"If we
lose love and self respect for each
other, this is how we finally die." ~ Maya Angelou
You
and Teresa
are doing
such amazing
outreach
work. You
blow me
away! I'm
always so
proud to
call you
both my
friends.
Sending lots
of love to
you both.
~ Nancy
It
was indeed a pleasure to attend
the 2007 Red Ribbon Affair in Madison, Wisconsin. It was
wonderful to sit with Kristin, Teresa,
Della, Annie, Sarah and friends.
This year was bittersweet as it
was the first year I've attended
without reuniting with my dear friend
Mike McKinney. Mike is without a
doubt greatly missed. Nonetheless,
he was still honored and remembered
as his bicycle that he used for
numerous AIDS Rides was auctioned
off. His courage, commitment and
compassion will live on through
so many of us. We are eternally
grateful for all that he gave to
the fight against AIDS in Wisconsin and other issues and needs in our community.
It was very befitting that the UW
Infectious Disease Clinic received
AIDS Network's Executive Director's
Award this year for Outstanding
Community HIV/AIDS Service.
I also learned that my friend John
had the winning bid in the silent
auction for
tattooing, from my buddy
Smooth of
Smooth
Fx Tattoos in Sauk
City. Smooth has graciously given
to the silent auction each year
and his generosity is deeply appreciated.
Plus, I'm just a little partial
to his work to say the least!
All in all, it was great fun hanging
with friends, seeing friends I haven't
seen in awhile, as well as enjoying
a relaxed evening with some delicious
food and drink. Thank you
to AIDS Network, their staff and
volunteers for always putting on
an incredible evening.
Rebecca Kendziorski from African Youth Outreach,
Bob Bowers from
HIVictorious, Mayor Dave and Shawn Neal from
AIDS Network
HIVictorious was honored to
partner with the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, African Youth Outreach and
AIDS Network, in
having Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle sign a proclamation honoring the 20th
anniversary of World AIDS Day, as well as Wisconsin
HIV/AIDS organizations' commitment to the fight against
AIDS in Wisconsin
throughout the year. Let's make every day World AIDS Day!
Thank you Governor Doyle for your tireless
support in the fight against AIDS in Wisconsin!
Bob,
what a great vision! But this is no surprise from a visionary like
you. Thanks for your leadership throughout Wisconsin and the United
States.
All my best wishes,
Neil Willenson
CEO and Founder
One Heartland
Da
Pirate featured on
www.storybridge.tv
in conjunction with
the ACT V AIDS Ride
in Madison, Wisconsin.
Be sure and visit my
friends Katy and Jay
at StoryBridge.tv and
register to leave comments,
thank you! They have
launched their all new
look and feel which
includes interactive
tools such as, the ability
to embed this and other
stories on your website
or blog,
HIV/AIDS information,
message boards and resources.
Please tune in and share
this video with your
friends!
Listen to our HIV/AIDS public
service announcements
Thanks
to the generous support of the Greater
Milwaukee Foundation's Johnson and Pabst LGBT Humanity Fund, "What if it
Were You?" has launched
round three!
