Andrew J. Spano
County Executive

Contact Mary Landrigan

(914) 637-4715

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION November 18, 1998 Contact Mary Landrigan World AIDS Day Conference (914) 637-4715

In recognition of World AIDS Day, the Westchester County AIDS Council and the Westchester County Department of Health will be sponsoring a one day conference on Wednesday, December 2, 1998. The conference, which is designed to bring together community members and leaders, care providers and those with HIV/AIDS in Westchester County, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Abigail Kirsh at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown, New York.

The 1998 World AIDS Day Conference, 'Youth Speak Out on HIV/AIDS,' will provide a unique opportunity for educators, community leaders, agency directors and religious leaders to join young people in Westchester County to find out about their HIV/AIDS concerns and what they think adults need to know about the disease.

"I'm sure that many adults are unaware that one out of every four new HIV infections in the United States occurs in young people between the ages of 13 and 21," said Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. "Sadly, recent studies have also shown that HIV/AIDS knowledge among young people has decreased, rather than increased, over the past few years," he added.

In addition to individual workshop sessions, the 1998 World AIDS Day Conference will feature three keynote presentations. Members of the Westchester County Youth AIDS Advisory Council will discuss what they want adults to understand about kids, HIV and sex; Michael Resnick, Ph.D, National Adolescent Health Resources Center at the University of Minnesota will discuss why youth are at risk for HIV/AIDS; and Helen G. Deines, Ed.D, MSSW, School of Professional Psychology and Social Work at Spalding University will talk about successful HIV/AIDS prevention strategies.

At this year's conference, the third "Westchester County AIDS Council Corporate Partnership Award" will be presented to a corporation with a long standing commitment to AIDS issues. Also, another highlight of the conference will be the presentation of the "Outstanding Volunteer Service Award." This award will be presented to a Westchester County resident who has made outstanding contributions in either service or advocacy for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Nominations for both awards are currently being reviewed.

To participate in the conference, there is a $35.00 full day adult registration fee; a $10.00 full day high school student registration fee; a $15.00 morning keynote address only fee; and a $10.00 lunch only fee. A limited number of conference scholarships are also available. For more information about the World AIDS Day Conference, contact Owen Borda at (914) 637-4711.

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