The HIV/AIDS Crisis in 2007

In 2006, AIDS remains a devastating illness that overwhelms its sufferers and strikes people without regard for age, race, gender or sexual orientation. Orange County continues to be an epicenter of the disease. There continues to be an alarming number of new cases of HIV being reported, and the number of people living with AIDS in Orange County is at an all-time high.

The spread of HIV/AIDS to minority communities and women is growing dramatically. This trend will disproportionately impact minorities and women in the years to come. Most people with AIDS are struggling with the compound problems of living with a disability and surviving on a very low income. Their families, friends and neighbors are also impacted, expanding the reach of this epidemic to thousands more people.

Your involvement with AIDS Walk helps you to be connected with a lifeline of help that provides the services and assistance that are so needed by people living with HIV/AIDS. These include housing, legal assistance, primary medical care and prevention education, along with other necessities, such as food and transportation.

When you contribute to OC AIDS Walk, we make sure that your contribution goes as far as possible to provide assistance to those who are the most needy and vulnerable.

Although there are improving treatments for people with HIV/AIDS, they don't work for everybody and aren't a cure for anybody. Please contribute to OC AIDS Walk. Your friends and neighbors are counting on you.

To learn more about the HIV/AIDS Crisis, follow the links below:

• AEGIS
  The largest free-access HIV/AIDS database base on the web. Over one million files, fully-indexed, cross-referenced, and keyword searchable. www.aegis.org
• The Body
  The complete HIV/AIDS resource. www.thebody.com
• California Department of Health Services Office of AIDS
  A wealth of statewide information, programs, and services. www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ooa/default.htm
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  Comprehensive information on AIDS / HIV matters for the US. www.cdc.gov/hiv/dhap.htm
• Orange County (CA) Health Care Agency
  The Office of HIV Programs (OHP) coordinates HIV/AIDS care, treatment, support services, and HIV/AIDS prevention services for Orange County. www.oc.ca.gov/hca/public/hiv
• United Nations (UN AIDS)
  For information on global issues around HIV and AIDS. www.unaids.org
• World Health Organization (WHO)
  More information about the impact of HIV and AIDS on the world. www.who.int/health-topics/hiv.htm