AIDS Foundation of Chicago to Host HIV Vaccine Awareness Seminar
May 18 Is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

CHICAGO - On May 18, AIDS organizations across the country will commemorate HIV Vaccine Awareness Day by hosting activities to educate Americans on the hope, promise and progress of HIV vaccine research. Locally, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago will kick off its statewide campaign dedicated to promoting vaccine awareness and community involvement with a seminar called HIV Vaccine Research in Chicago: Where we are and where we are going.

"HIV vaccines are still years away from reality, yet many Americans believe that a vaccine exists," said Mark Ishaug, executive director of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC). "Our goal is to share scientifically accurate information about how vaccine research and clinical trials work so that those at risk for HIV understand the benefits of vaccine development."

This year's theme for HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is "Real People. Real Progress" and events, both local and national, will emphasize the important contributions of thousands of study volunteers, scientists and health professionals committed to finding a safe and effective vaccine. Much progress has been made toward developing a safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine. Currently, there are over 20 promising HIV vaccine candidates in various stages of testing. Yet, there is still no vaccine.

"It is important to know that HIV vaccines do not contain HIV, and therefore, cannot cause HIV infection," said David Ernesto Munar, AFC's Associate Director for Policy and Communications. "Public understanding and support is essential in efforts to break down stigma and myths about HIV vaccine research."

The AFC-sponsored seminar will include an overview of current HIV vaccine research, an update on current and future clinical trials in the Chicagoland area by local HIV vaccine researchers, and discussion on how communities can inform the process. It will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2004, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. at the Egan Urban Center 243 S. Wabash, Room 9102. Breakfast is included. RSVP to Amy LaMantia of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago at 312-922-2322.

"All Americans, especially high-risk populations, including communities of color and those who are sexually active, need to learn more about HIV vaccine research and be a part of making an HIV vaccine a reality," said Sanford Gaylord, AFC's Community Outreach Associate.

For the second year in a row, the day will be commemorated with a twist on a familiar symbol of AIDS awareness. People can show support for HIV vaccine research by wearing a red AIDS ribbon upside down on HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. The upside-down AIDS ribbon forms a "V", signifying "vaccines," the vision of a world without AIDS and symbolizes the urgent need to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS now.

For more information on HIV Vaccine Awareness Day or HIV vaccine research visit www.aidsinfo.nih.gov, www.vrc.nih.gov or www.hvtn.org or call 1-800-HIV-0440 for a free brochure (available in English and Spanish).

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Founded in 1985 to provide central leadership in the fight against the epidemic, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) promotes sound HIV/AIDS public policy, funds HIV/AIDS prevention and care projects, and through its Service Providers Council, helps to coordinate the delivery of essential HIV/AIDS services.

Learn more about HIV vaccine research