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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Mobile Alumnae Chapter- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc P.O. Box 2313, Mobile, AL 36652 Selicia Judge, Journalist Walk for Life: Making Strides Against HIV/AIDS for America’s Future
According of the Center for Disease Control, HIV/ AIDS is the second leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 25 – 44 in the United States. More than 7,000 are infected in the state of Alabama alone. The statistics are overwhelming increasing because many people are unaware that they are infected. In response to this rising epidemic, the Mobile Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. decided to answer the call by hosting Walk for Life: Making Strides Against HIV/AIDS for America. On March 19, 2005, Mobile Alumnae joined hundreds of Delta Sigma Theta chapters around the world for its International Day of Service to educate the public on HIV/AIDS. “The goal of our chapter is to raise our community’s awareness about the increasing number of people in the Mobile area affected by HIV virus,” says Emily Daniels, Chair of the Physical and Mental Health Committee. Over 450 participants which included members of the Mobile National Pan-Hellenic Council, church organizations, the Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, Delteens, Project D.E.L.T.A., the Mobile Chapter of Jack and Jill and numerous collegiate and high school groups, all joined in a one-mile walk at the University of South Alabama track. Registered participants received a commemorative T-shirt. The event included informational tables with literature about HIV/AIDS, peer counselors, testing, speakers and refreshments. Mobile Alumnae President, Tommie Conaway welcomed all participants and explained the importance of the International Day of Service. Peer counselors shared emotional experiences with their battle with the deadly virus and stressed the importance of getting tested. Tommie Conaway and Emily Daniels presented University of South Alabama’s Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Dr. Mary Carmen Y. Mancao, with a check for $1,500 to support the efforts of the University of South Alabama Family Specialty clinic in its continuous efforts to provide quality care to women, children and teens affected with HIV/AIDS. Awards were presented to the Craighead Elementary Faculty, the University of South Alabama African American Student Association (AASA) and the Taylor Chapel CME Youth group for the groups with the highest number of attendees. ### |
