Make a Difference! World AIDS Day is coming on December 1st

A person dying from AIDS faces a horrible, painful death. In 2008, 2 million people died from this terrible disease, with 2.7 million people becoming newly infected, adding to the 33.4 million people already living with HIV, according to estimates. This means that the rate of infection is still growing!

What can you do to make a difference? Plan now to participate in World AIDS Day on December 1. Here are some ideas:

Get the word out!

Sign up before November 10 to organize a “Lives are on the Line” display on your campus or in your community, sponsored by World Vision. They will send you FREE “Lives are on the Line” cards to create a visible display that inspires creative activism. Each card features one of eight paintings by Scott Erickson and the story of a person either infected or affected by HIV or AIDS. Go to: http://www.worldvisionacts.org/?q=LAOTL_signup.

Partner with Others

Invite a local nurse to speak at your event whose nursing focus is with people in your community infected with HIV/AIDS. Find out what opportunities are available for students and nurses who would like to care for these patients. See if you can partner with your school's Student Nurses Association to co-sponsor a speaker.

Pray!

Gather together to pray for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in your community, your state, and around the world! As followers of Jesus we know that Jesus cared for those afflicted with disease and reached out to touch them (Luke 5:12-15). Ask that God would open your eyes to see how you can compassionately care for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS by:

• being a role model through direct care of patients.
• financial support of organizations caring for those with HIV/AIDS.
• educating others about this pandemic.

Remember that God has created each human being in his image and every person deserves to be cared for with dignity and respect.

You may have friends, family members, classmates, or patients who are HIV+. Show your care, support, and love for them by being involved in World AIDS Day!