CONTACT: GREGORY MANIFOLD

260.744.1144

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AIDS TASK FORCE ANNOUNCES 25^TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

The AIDS Task Force of northeast Indiana announced today a commemoration of the 25^th anniversary of the agency’s March 1985 founding. The seven-month series of art, theatre, music, and education events is a collaboration between the AIDS Task Force and local arts and education organizations.

The AIDS Task Force is the oldest AIDS Service Organization in the State of Indiana and serves 11 counties in northeast Indiana. It provides case management services for over 350 HIV-positive individuals and offers prevention education programming to more than 8,000 residents annually.

The 25^th anniversary commemoration includes 14 initial partner agencies and groups and will expand to other community groups throughout the October to May period. Arts and education groups have added an AIDS-related event to their seasons to mark the quarter century service of the AIDS Task Force in northeast Indiana. The first mention of the new disease by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention was made nearly 30 years ago in June 1981.

Among events to be undertaken during the period are plays, visual art exhibits, film, dance performances, lectures, panel discussions, and choral and instrumental music.

The AIDS Task Force is preparing a community resource packet to be available in October. The resource packet will provide community groups with ideas about how to mark the continuing presence of AIDS in northeast Indiana and the world. Packets will be mailed to many schools and churches and will be available by request from the AIDS Task Force office in mid October.

According to Gregory Manifold, executive director of the AIDS Task Force, “Many people think AIDS is no longer a problem. But this disease continues to infect new people, including too many young people. And far too many of those who are already HIV-positive face a daily challenge to ensure food, housing, and health care for themselves and their families. These anniversary events are a significant way to remind Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana residents that the struggle with AIDS is not over.”

Detailed information about 25th anniversary events is available at the AIDS Task Force web site, www.aidsfortwayne.org, by clicking on 25^th Anniversary.

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