Cochise College to host HIV/AIDS awareness activities

Cochise College will host numerous HIV/AIDS awareness activities at the Douglas Campus the week of Nov. 17. The events will raise awareness of the disease and the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day that takes place on Dec. 1. All activities are free and open to the public.

The week kicks off with three presentations by Heather Moroso of El Rio Community Health Center in Tucson. Moroso, a naturopathic specialist who created the nationally recognized program Positively Beautiful to help HIV-positive women with self-esteem issues, will talk about the stigma and alienation associated with AIDS. Her presentations will be Monday, Nov. 17 at 9:15 a.m. in the Little Theatre, at noon in Student Union Room 501, and at 5 p.m. in Room 1136.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the public can participate in a student-created HIV/AIDS Jeopardy game at noon in Student Union Room 501. The game touches on important aspects of the AIDS epidemic, including global AIDS, the cost of the disease, and prevention.

On Wednesday, Nov. 19, Luis Ortega, director of prevention services with the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, will speak about the growth of HIV infection among minorities and younger populations. The presentation is at noon in Student Union Room 501.

The HIV/AIDS Awareness Week events are sponsored by Cochise College Career Services and Student Government, with the assistance of several students. For more information about the activities, call Marguerite Conners at (520) 417-4750. Anyone needing an accommodation in order to attend should contact the Disability Services Office, (520) 515-5337 or (520) 417-4023, at least 72 hours in advance.