In
2007, 407 new cases of HIV infection were reported in Wisconsin
9,929
cases of HIV infection have been reported in Wisconsin since 1983
Approximately 6,295 people are
presumed living with HIV/AIDS in Wisconsin today
18% of new HIV cases were among young
people ages 15-24
21% 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
2007 were members of racial/ethnic minorities
In 2007, 69% 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
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.
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 public
service announcements
and let us know your
thoughts about them!
Thanks
to the generous support of the Greater
Milwaukee Foundation's Wisconsin
AIDS Fund and the Johnson and Pabst
LGBT Humanity Fund, "What if it
Were You?" has launched
round two!
