Open house December 1 for World AIDS Day

This year's 2011 World AIDS Day campaign is about "getting to zero" - zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths. The campaign is set to run until 2015.

AIDS Vancouver Island (AVI), a local non-profit participating in World AIDS Day activities, says that the campaign encourages us to remember that the struggle against HIV/AIDS continues and that much work is needed to prevent the spread of HIV, to remove stigma, and to support those living with this disease.

"Getting to zero is about increasing access to HIV treatment and support," said James Boxshall, acting Executive Director of AVI. "In order to eliminate AIDS-related deaths and to decrease the transmission of HIV, expanded access to services is needed both locally and globally."

"We are hosting an open house on World AIDS Day and invite the community to come down to pick up a red ribbon and learn more about our services," said Sarah Sullivan, AVI Manager in Courtenay and Campbell River.

AVI World AIDS Day Open House: AIDS Vancouver Island, December 1, 1-3pm 355 6th Street, Courtenay. For more information about AVI, please visit www.avi.org or call 2503387400.