FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, January 10, 2003

Peace Corps to Host AIDS Awareness Forums

Media Advisory
Attention: Assignment Editors, Producers, Reporters

Washington, D.C., January 10, 2003-The Peace Corps will host two AIDS Awareness events highlighting the positive work that is being done to address the AIDS pandemic in the developing world and here at home. The Peace Corps has been on the front lines of HIV/AIDS education and awareness in the developing world since it announced its expanding HIV/AIDS initiative in 1999. Today, all currently serving Peace Corps volunteers are trained in HIV/AIDS education and prevention.

Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez will give the opening remarks at the Peace Corps’ AIDS Awareness Day Observance. Keynote speakers will address how stigma perpetuates the AIDS epidemic and the vital role of hope for those afflicted. Exhibits will include writings of currently serving Peace Corps Volunteers describing how they find hope and what inspires their work.

The evening forum will address the work of Peace Corps Volunteers in HIV/AIDS education, behavior change, community sensitization and will feature former volunteers who worked and continue to work in HIV/AIDS-related issues.

For a complete list of Peace Corps AIDS Awareness speakers and specific discussion topics, please contact our press office by phone at 202.692.2230 or via e-mail at [email protected].

When
Monday, January 13, 2003

10:30 am
Morning Forum and Panel Discussions: Hope and Stigma: How are they Affecting AIDS Today?

5:30 pm
Evening Forum: Making a Difference Abroad and At Home: The Peace Corps and the Fight Against AIDS

Where
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW
Washington DC
(Media Entrance on L Street and 20th NW)


Media contacts:
Barbara Daly
Press Secretary
202-692-2230
[email protected]

Marta Metelko
Deputy Press Secretary
202.692.2230
[email protected]

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