AIDS Awareness

Protection Begins with Education

  • What is AIDS?

  • Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease of the immune system caused by the human
    immunodificiency virus (HIV).

    • AIDS reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, leaving people open to infections and tumors.

    • HIV is transmitted through direct contact with an HIV-infected bodily fluid: blood, semen,
      presemenal fluid, vaginal fluid       or breast milk.

    • This transmission happens during vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated
      hypodermic needles, exchange between a mother and her child during pregnancy.

    • In 2007, statistics showed 33.2 million people lived with the disease worldwide,
      with 2.1 million deaths, including 330,000 children.

    • Although treatments for AIDS and HIV can slow the disease, there is no cure.

  • Protect Yourself = Prevent infection = Use a Condom.

    • The majority of HIV infections are acquired through unprotected sex between 2 people-one of whom has HIV.

    • The primary mode of HIV infection is sexual contact between members of the opposite sex.

    • During a sexual act, only male or female condoms can reduce the chances of infection with HIV

    • Using condoms reduces the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 80%

    • The male condom, if used correctly without oil-based lubricants, is the single most effective available technology to elimate HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

    • Manufacturers recommend that oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly* or butter, not be used with latex condoms, because they dissolve the latex.

    • If necessary, manufacturers recommend using water-based lubricants.**

    • The female condom is an alternative to the male condom

    • Studies suggest that, where female condoms are available, overall protected sexual acts increase making them an important HIV-prevention strategy.

    • Studies on couples where one partner is infected show that with consistent condom use, HIV infection rates for the uninfected partner are below 1% per year.

    • *unsafe lubricants:Vaseline, Baby Oil. In all cases, READ THE LABEL

    • **safe lubricants: Liquid Silk, Astroglide, Pjur, K-Y products, Sliquid, RepHresh, Wet

  • Get Tested. Piece of mind is priceless.

    Send a text with your zip code to "KNOWIT" (566948). Within seconds, you'll receive a text with an HIV testing site near you. This free service is through www.HIVtest.org.

  • World Aids Day: Denver.

    AIDS Awareness goes Mile-High

  • Get HELP

  • Colorado AIDS Project


    coloradoaidsproject.org 303-837-0166

    CAP supports about 1800 clients living with HIV each year, through such support services as case management, mental health and substance abuse counseling, housing assistance, transportation, food bank, employment, and financial assistance.

  • Get TESTED

  • Colorado AIDS Project Offices: 2490 W. 26th Ave., Building A, Suite 300 Denver 80211

    Hours: M-W 9-5, Th 3-7 walk-in or by appointment: 303.837.0166

    Confidential testing Rapid HIV test-results ready in 20 minutes.

  • Get GOING!

  • World AIDS Day Awareness Raising Events in Denver, 12/1:

    -The Harm Reduction Action Center invites community supporters to a World AIDS Day awareness raising event in the Civic Center Park, at the corner of Colfax and Broadway on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 from 10:30am -1:30pm

    -Boulder County AIDS Project presents World AIDS Day all-day events:

    -11am - 6pm, Art & Soul (1615 Pearl Street in Boulder) will be hosting "Day without Art" an AIDS Memorial in honor of those we have lost.

    -Free HIV Testing will be offered at Boulder County AIDS Project from 11am to 2pm.: 2118 14th Street Boulder, CO 80302-4808 303.444.6121

    -The Boulder County AIDS Project and the Denver Gay Men's Chorus will present a World AIDS Day Concert on December 1 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Boulder