SEATTLE, May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Seattle HIV Vaccine Trials Unit,
based at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, will use the 10th
anniversary of President Clinton's challenge to develop an HIV vaccine to
celebrate two new partners in its work to educate the community on HIV
vaccine research. It will also dedicate the day to the former Rev. Reginald
Diggs, co-founder of the African Americans Reach and Teach Health (AARTH)
Ministry in Seattle. Diggs, a vibrant minister, advocate, educator and
leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, died suddenly in March at the age of
42.
"Reginald and AARTH have been instrumental in helping us to build
community relationships and educate people about our research," said Kim
Louis, community educator for the HIV Vaccine Trials Unit.
Two Seattle community organizations, Lifelong AIDS Alliance and Gay
City Health Project, have joined the HVTU in a new "Local Partnership
Program" backed by the federal government to help spread the word about HIV
vaccine research in the city. The two groups received grants from the
National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases to work with the
Seattle vaccine group. To celebrate HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, Lifelong and
Gay City will host a drag show and dance contest at R-Place Bar and Grill,
619 Pine St., beginning at 7:30 p.m. on May 18. HIV Vaccine Trials Unit
staff will be available at this event to answer questions about HIV
vaccine. In addition, on May 19, Gay City will provide a workshop on HIV
vaccines at its annual event, Gay City University.
About Seattle HIV Vaccine Trials Unit
The Seattle HIV Vaccine Trials Unit (HVTU) is the local clinic
associated with the HIV Vaccine Network (HVTN) -- an international effort
to test and find an HIV vaccine that will work safely in diverse
populations worldwide. Seattle HVTU is a program of Fred Hutchinson Cancer
Research Center and the University of Washington. More information can be
found at http://www.seattlevaccines.org. People interested in learning more about
volunteering for HIV vaccine studies can call (206) 667-2300 for more
information.
About Lifelong AIDS Alliance
Lifelong AIDS Alliance is a multi-service social service agency and the
largest AIDS service organization in the Pacific Northwest. It has provided
vital support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in Seattle/King
County for over 20 years. More information can be found at http://www.llaa.org
About Gay City Health Project
Gay City Health Project is a multicultural gay men's health
organization and the premiere provider of HIV and STD testing for gay men
in King County. More information can be found at http://www.gaycity.org.
CONTACT:
Dean Forbes
(206) 667-2896
dforbes@fhcrc.org
SOURCE Seattle HIV Vaccine Trials Unit
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Related links:
http://www.seattlevaccines.org/
CONTACT:
Dean Forbes, +1-206-667-2896, or
dforbes@fhcrc.org, for Seattle HIV Vaccine Trials Unit
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