Media Contact:
Noah Barnes, Lifelong AIDS Alliance
(206) 957-1637

For Immediate Release
May 17, 2006

HIV Vaccine Research Offers Much-Needed Hope in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS
Lifelong AIDS Alliance to Lead Local Public Education Efforts on May 18, HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

Seattle—May 17, 2006—Thursday, May 18 is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, a day to educate Americans about the need for a vaccine to prevent the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Much progress has been made toward developing a safe and effective preventative HIV vaccine. Currently there are more than 20 HIV vaccine candidates in various stages of testing. Yet, there is still no vaccine. It is vital that all people, especially those in at-risk populations, learn more about HIV vaccine research and be a part of making an HIV vaccine a reality.

Lifelong is asking people to show their support for HIV vaccine research by wearing a red AIDS ribbon upside down on May 18 to form a “V” for vaccine research and a vision of a world without AIDS. In this way, individuals can express their support for HIV vaccine research and everyone involved in it.

“A comprehensive approach to controlling the AIDS pandemic includes prevention strategies, care and treatment improvements, and HIV vaccine research,” said Lifelong AIDS Alliance Prevention/Education Manager Erick Seelbach. “I encourage people throughout Seattle to wear their red AIDS ribbons upside down in support of HIV vaccine research.”

Local outreach efforts led by Lifelong AIDS Alliance will include an outreach extravaganza throughout bars on Capitol Hill, during which a team of volunteers will distribute information about HIV vaccine research and safer sex packets.

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day activities will be held throughout the United States, providing an opportunity for Americans to learn about the hope, promise, and progress of HIV vaccine research. Lifelong AIDS Alliance joins African Americans Reach and Teach Health Ministry (AARTH) and the HIV Vaccine Trials Unit (HVTU) to participate in the national day of recognition and public awareness.

For more information on HIV Vaccine Awareness Day or HIV vaccine research, visit www.bethegeneration.org or call 1-800-HIV-0440 for a free brochure, available in English or Spanish.

About Lifelong AIDS Alliance
Lifelong AIDS Alliance provides food, housing, health insurance and other vital services to people living with HIV/AIDS in King County. Lifelong also provides prevention education and is a leader in local, regional and national advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS.  More than 85% of Lifelong AIDS Alliance's clients live on less than $15,000 per year. Lifelong AIDS Alliance is the largest AIDS service organization in the Pacific Northwest and is recognized nationally for its innovative work.

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