World AIDS Day observed today

NASHUA – The theme of World AIDS Day in 2004 is “Women and AIDS.” A Nashua area event is sponsored by the Southern NH HIV/AIDS Task Force, in conjunction with Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic and the city of Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services, has organized the Greater Nashua Area observance of World AIDS Day.

Events will begin outside Nashua City Hall at 9 a.m. with a proclamation by Mayor Bernie Streeter. The City Hall Auditorium will be opened to the public after the proclamation for daylong presentations including information tables, a big screen presentation of a historical timeline of the HIV/AIDS disease, refreshments and a sign-up memorial book. The Division of Public Health and Community Services’ Outreach van will be present information outside City Hall, from 9-10 a.m. and again from 4-6 p.m.

Evening events begin at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Alexander Granok M.D., FACP, the associate medical director of Southern New Hampshire Integrated Care (I Care), will speak, followed by a showing of the movie, “A Closer Walk.” The event will close at 8 p.m. on the steps of City Hall with a reading of the names of those in the Nashua Area who have succumbed to HIV/AIDS, followed by a candlelight vigil.