The Long Center from across Town Lake

The first-ever Austin Red Week
Austin, TX
10/18/09
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There are an estimated 6,000 people living with HIV and AIDS in Central Texas, and approximately 20 percent of those people do not know their status. Austin Red Week aims to promote awareness of HIV and AIDS in Austin, raise funds for HIV-related nonprofit organizations and provide HIV prevention education.

“Austin Red Week sheds light on a health care issue that may not be in the headlines every day but certainly has not faded in importance,” said Bob Dailey, chair of ASA’s Board of Directors. “The color red symbolizes the love and passion that surround efforts to fight this disease. Through Austin Red Week, we want to paint the town red in recognition of the thousands of Central Texans who are living with HIV and AIDS and to heighten awareness.”

The Raddison during Red Week

Buildings that are red with their nighttime lighting for HIV awareness during Austin Red Week include:
* The Monarch condos
* The Long Center for The Performing Arts
* Austin City Hall
* Latin Works’ Capital Tower
* The Radisson at Town Lake

Many stores are also participating, including all 49 area Walgreens and eateries such as Fino and Cissi’s Wine Bar and Market.  Austin Red Week kicked off with the OctoTea Dance at the Long Center for the Performing Arts and includes today’s National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

On Sunday, Oct. 18, Austin Red Week concludes with the 22nd AIDS Walk Austin. Hundreds of people will walk along a more than three-mile route to raise money for ASA. Sign-in for AIDS Walk Austin will start at 12:30 p.m. at Austin City Hall.

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For more info, visit: www.aidswalkaustin.org.

via EM Staff, 17 October 2009 12:23pm | |