President's Proclamation of World AIDS Day 2012

Photo: Ryan Rayburn/IAS

U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton addresses

the XIX International Aids Conference in July, 2012:

ecretary Clinton marked World Aids Day 2012 by unveiling

a blueprint for the creation of an Aids-free generation.

THE WHITE HOUSE

WORLD AIDS DAY, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

 

On World AIDS Day, more than 30 years after the first cases of this tragic illness were reported, we join the global community once more in standing with the millions of people who live with HIV/AIDS worldwide. We also recommit to preventing the spread of this disease, fighting the stigma associated with infection, and ending this pandemic once and for all.

 

In 2010, my Administration released the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, our Nation's first comprehensive plan to fight the domestic epidemic. The Strategy aims to reduce new infections, increase access to care, reduce health disparities, and achieve a more coordinated national response to HIV/AIDS here in the United States. To meet these goals, we are advancing HIV/AIDS education; connecting stakeholders throughout the public, private, and non-profit sectors; and investing in promising research that can improve clinical outcomes and reduce the risk of transmission. Moving forward, we must continue to focus on populations with the highest HIV disparities -- including gay men, and African American and Latino communities -- and scale up effective, evidence-based interventions to prevent and treat HIV. We are also implementing the Affordable Care Act, which has expanded access to HIV testing and will ensure that all Americans, including those living with HIV/AIDS, have access to health insurance beginning in 2014.

 

These actions are bringing us closer to an AIDS-free generation at home and abroad -- a goal that, while ambitious, is within sight. Through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), we are on track to meet the HIV prevention and treatment targets I set last year. We are working with partners at home and abroad to reduce new infections in adults, help people with HIV/AIDS live longer, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and support the global effort to eliminate new infections in children by 2015. And thanks to bipartisan action to lift the entry ban on persons living with HIV, we were proud to welcome leaders from around the world to the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C.

 

Creating an AIDS-free generation is a shared responsibility. It requires commitment from partner countries, coupled with support from donors, civil society, people living with HIV, faith-based organizations, the private sector, foundations, and multilateral institutions. We stand at a tipping point in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and working together, we can realize our historic opportunity to bring that fight to an end.

 

Today, we reflect on the strides we have taken toward overcoming HIV/AIDS, honor those who have made our progress possible, and keep in our thoughts all those who have known the devastating consequences of this illness. The road toward an AIDS-free generation is long -- but as we mark this important observance, let us also remember that if we move forward every day with the same passion, persistence, and drive that has brought us this far, we can reach our goal. We can beat this disease. On World AIDS Day, in memory of those no longer with us and in solidarity with all who carry on the fight, let us pledge to make that vision a reality.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim December 1, 2012, as World AIDS Day. I urge the Governors of the States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and to provide support and comfort to those living with this disease.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

 

BARACK OBAMA

 

retrieved from allafrica.com

 

Media Advisory - 5th Annual Mother-Daughter Health Forum & Luncheon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Angela Douglas (803) 917-6360 Email: adouglas@rmdsf.org Website: www.rmdsf.org

MEDIA ADVISORY:

THE ROSA M. DOUGLAS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

Celebrates National Women’s Health Week

with the 5^th Annual Mother-Daughter Health Forum & Luncheon

CHESTER, SC – The Rosa M Douglas Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was established in the honor of Mrs. Rosa M. Douglas to assist in community awareness and promotion of women’s health and nutrition. 

Mother-Daughter Health Forum & Luncheon

The Chester War Memorial Building, 154 Main Street, Chester, SC 29706

Saturday, May 12, 2012, Doors open at 11am

Tickets - $10 donation per person, $5 for children ages 7 or younger

In Collaboration with U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Women’s Health

We kick off National Women’s Health Week – May 13-19.

FEATURES:

Keynote Speaker – “Affordable Care Act & Women’s Health”

Natalia Cales, Regional Outreach Specialist, US HHS

Fun Interactive Play - ZUMBA® Fitness Demonstration

Stacey Dobbins & Cherise Johnson

Wonderful Entertainment – BAG Lady Skit

Healthy Lunch

Lots of Health Information & Screenings

Fabulous Door Prizes

Surprises & more
 

"Funding for this activity was made possible in part by the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Office on Women's Health. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators at HHS-sponsored conferences, do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.”

Leap into Springtime - April 2012

In the wake of the Supreme Court hearings on the Affordable Care Act, we have heard so much about the government requiring health insurance. RMDSF is a nonprofit and nonpolitical entity focusing on bringing health awareness and promotion to our communities. It is our opinion that people should be encouraged to access health care and given an opportunity to do so. Therefore, as we look the various health designations for April, we find that a common theme runs through "Health is also a PERSONAL responsibility."  April is designated as Alcohol Awareness Month, STD Awareness Month, National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and for various other controllable and preventable health concerns. So this month, we issue a NO APRIL FOOL'S challenge of "3 Things to Do For Your Health."




April Monthly Challenge: Three Things


1. Alcohol Free Weekend - Springtime is fun time. It's not too hot or too cold to have a great party. However, with many parties come bottom up drinking. One weekend without alcoholic beverages may not be a huge concern for most of us. However, when surrounded by friends and family, the peer pressure could be magnified. This year, Alcohol Free Weekend is also the Easter holiday. Hopefully, you can focus more on prayers, celebrating your faith with family and friends, chasing an Easter bunny or finding colored eggs - all while getting some natural sunlight and exercise. Take a pass on the cocktails. If you are hosting, offer mocktails instead. Mocktails have all of the deliciousness of a cocktails without the alcoholic buzz. So, enjoy your guests more than your drink.


2. Eye Exam/Facial protection - Spring is upon us. It is a wonderful time to catch the extra rays to get our required Vitamin D. However, we must be extremely careful to balance our time in the sun with taking care of our skin and eyes. The good thing about spring is the wonderful hats and sunglasses available. So, go ahead and roll the sunroof back or put the top down on the car, have a cookout or backyard gathering, enjoy the beach and this great weather, but do not sacrifice your eyes or your skin. Facial skin is delicate and easily battered. So, this month, the second part of the challenge is also two-fold: Protect your eyes - get an eye exam and a new pair of sunglasses and protect your face: see a dermatologist, get a facial, update your makeup with proper sunscreen, and get a beautiful hat that protects your face.


3. STD/Sexual Assault Awareness - Spring is in the air…and we can get a little frisky! LOL! However, we need to take our sexual responsibility very seriously. This month, think about your sexual exploits, whether it is with no one, someone special, or a few lucky people. You have to step up your responsibility in this area. Women are often seen as the passive player. We'll make sure you protect yourself. In a consensual relationship, make sure you require your partner to protect themselves as well you provide protection for yourself. Traditional female contraceptive methods, i.e., birth control pills, NUVA Ring, the patch, Depo shot, and IUDs, may protect you from unwanted pregnancies, but not Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Female and male genital condoms with proper spermicidal and latex materials, etc. should do a great job in protecting you from transmitting sexual diseases. However, make sure you and your partner are healthy prior to engaging in sexual acts. Also remember, sexually transmitted diseases are not limited to sexual intercourse. Oral and anal sex acts can also transmit such diseases. And finally, sex should be consensual. No matter if you are married, single, or somewhere in between, each person has a right to his/her own body. It is important that we seek education on what it means to be violated and to protect ourselves from it. Take time this month to find out your sexual responsibilities and ways you can better protect this area of your health. 






A List of April Health Designations


Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
Alcohol Awareness Month
STD Awareness Month
Minority Cancer Month
National Autism Awareness Month
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
Cesarean Awareness Month
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
National Facial Protection Month
Cancer Control Month
Counseling Awareness Month
National Occupational Therapy Month
National Donate Life Month
Foot Health Awareness Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month


4/5: National Alcohol Screening Day
4/7: World Health Day
4/7-8: Alcohol Free Weekend
4/7-13: National Public Health Week
4/24: World Meningitis Day
4/22-28: National Infertility Awareness Week