For Immediate Release
May 14, 2007
Contact:
Juan Acosta
A&PI Wellness Center
Tel: (415) 292-3420 ext 327
Fax: (415) 292-3404
juan@apiwellness.org

Santa Clara Community Leaders to Publicly Take HIV Tests at the 3rd Annual National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

WHO:
Michele Lew, President & CEO, Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)
Councilmember Margaret Abe-Koga of Mountain View Council member Evan Low of Campbell
Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center (A&PI Wellness Center)

WHAT:
In commemoration of the Third Annual National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS
Awareness Day, three groundbreaking leaders of Santa Clara County’s Asian & Pacific Islander (A&PI) communities will publicly receive HIV tests. This event also highlights the launch of HIV rapid testing, open to the public, at AACI Alternative HIV Testing Site in San Jose. AACI’s HIV testing program is a joint effort with the Community Health Partnership. This program was made possible through funding from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors through the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. Leaders demonstrating the importance of being tested for HIV will be: Michele Lew, President and CEO of AACI; Councilmember Margaret Abe-Koga, of Mountain View; and Councilmember Evan Low, of Campbell. All three will be receiving the Rapid Oral HIV test, a non-invasive test which provides results in 20 minutes, as well as providing individual remarks and answering questions for the media.

WHEN:
Friday, May 18, 2007 at 9:00 am

WHERE:
Asian Americans for Community Involvement, Banyan Tree Room (Room 216)
2400 Moorpark Avenue
San Jose, CA 95128

WHY:
To focus attention on the rising rates of HIV/AIDS in A&PI communities and reduce related discrimination and stigma, especially fear around getting an HIV test. According to the CDC, at least 25% of all Americans infected with HIV are unaware of their status. Knowing personal HIV status increases individuals’ power to take care of their self and their community. By publicly receiving HIV tests, these three A&PI leaders demonstrate the need for increased education and support around those living with or at-risk for HIV in A&PI communities in Santa Clara County.

This event is held in conjunction with the Banyan Tree Project, a national initiative led by A&PI Wellness Center, striving to foster acceptance and compassion toward A&PIs living with, or at risk for HIV/AIDS. For information about National A&PI HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, go to www.banyantreeproject.org or call 1-866-5BANYAN. Press materials are available on the website.

For more information on AACI, go to www.aaci.org or call 408-975-2730.