Friday, Sept. 5, 2003 | 3:59 a.m.
Although there have been advances in drugs treating HIV and AIDS, many AIDS awareness groups say problems persist in making the public aware of the threat of HIV and AIDS. They are finding that young adults are at risk to contract the disease because many of them believe it won't happen to them.
William Pratt, the new executive director of Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN), said one of the challenges his organization is facing is spreading the message that HIV and AIDS can affect anyone.
"How do you reach out to young people today and help them understand what the true nature of AIDS is today?" said Pratt.
The problem, health advocates say, is that many Americans in their teens and 20s did not witness the devastation caused by the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 1990s.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there will be 40,000 new HIV cases in the U.S. every year, and half of those cases will be among people under 25.
"The disease is not gone. We forgot that a whole new generation of people are coming who need to hear the message and a message they can respond to," Pratt said.
But the message particularly needs to reach more blacks and Hispanics.
According to the CDC, 493 cases of blacks living with AIDS have been reported since December 2001 in Nevada. The number of those living with HIV have been reported at 729. Among Hispanics 374 AIDS cases and 380 HIV cases have been reported.
Advances in drugs to manage the disease have made it seem as if the disease does not pose as immediate a threat as it did in the 1980s, Pratt said.
"You couldn't walk down the streets and not see the extraordinary and frightful impact on cities," Pratt said.
That's why Pratt and a host of AIDS awareness groups are working toward funding and increased educational and prevention programs.
Aid for AIDS of Nevada provides emotional support to families and individuals living with HIV or AIDS. It is increasing their visibility in the community through the media and through meetings with other AIDS service organizations and local politicians. It is making the community aware that HIV tests are free and available.
"That is a job we all own. It's our job as the principal AIDS service organization in Nevada to make sure these opportunities are available," Pratt said.
On any given evening 40 to 100 HIV tests are given at random sites, Pratt said.
Pratt said the numbers of people accessing AFAN's services are increasing. The services include daily lunches and vouchers for fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishable items.
About 25 to 35 free lunches are served daily and that may be the only meal some may eat that day, Pratt said.
About 400 vouchers are issued in a month and about 1,200 to 1,300 people access some type of service in a month.
Other services include housing assistance, primary medical care, mental health, and dental care. The organization also provides emergency financial assistance.
To raise money for these programs, AFAN hosts an annual fundraiser called the Generic Black and White Party. This is its 17th year and it will be held tonight at the Skin Pool Lounge inside the Palms.
"The event is also an opportunity for us to extend our education program," Pratt said.
What first began as a dinner party hosted by a group of friends in 1987 is now a gala with gourmet food entertainment and is AFAN's primary source of funding for AFAN's service programs and prevention and education programs.
Last year's event drew more than 2,000 guests and this year 3,000 people are expected to attend.
"It brings together the entire Las Vegas community in an amazing way," Earl Shelton, development associate for the organization, said. The event's reputation has even spread to Southern California and Arizona, he said. Dancers from Studio 54 will provide entertainment and musician Kristine W. will perform.
Last year the benefit raised $120,000 in donations from 100 local businesses, organizations and tickets sold, Shelton said.
Tickets to the event are $35, available at the door or through the organization's website. Guests can also be admitted by donating $35 in nonperishable food or purchasing a $35 Sam's Club gift card.
Admission includes two free drinks and one free raffle ticket and dinner catered by a local restaurant.
A VIP party will be held at the Ghostbar inside the Palms at 6 p.m.
Call 382-AFAN for more information or visit www.afanlv.org to purchase tickets to the gala.
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