Dalton (GA)  – “Getting to Zero” is a rededication to the goal of entirely eliminating HIV transmission, and that is the vision for the World AIDS Day Celebration at First Baptist Church of Dalton on Monday, December 1, 2014 from 11:30 A.M. to 1 P.M.

“Getting to Zero”, the theme for World AIDS Day, held annually worldwide on December 1 since 1988, is about reducing new infections, increasing awareness of HIV and AIDS, decreasing prejudice against those whose lives are touched by this epidemic, and improving access to care and support for people living with the virus, including people who are infected with the virus and their loved ones.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV infection, and almost 1 in 6 (15.8%) are unaware of their infection. In 2010, over 15,500 people diagnosed with AIDS in the U.S. died, and approximately 636,000 people in the U.S. with an AIDS diagnosis have died overall*.

The World AIDS Day Celebration in Dalton is an opportunity to show support for people in this community who are living with HIV/AIDS and to commemorate people who have died. Reverend Rodney Weaver will preside over the ceremony and Dr. Mark Elam will be the guest speaker. Deanna Baker of the Living Bridge Center will present a Time of Remembrance, and there will be musical performances and testimonials.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend. First Baptist Church of Dalton is located at 311 North Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720.

For more information, please call (706) 281-2370.

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*References: CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/basics/ataglance.html