Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HIV/AIDS Panel Features HBF

DOYLESTOWN, PA (November 20, 2007) – On December 1, 2007, the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown will partner with Fighting AIDS Continuously Together (FACT) and Starbucks to observe World AIDS Day. This global event is dedicated to remembering the victims of AIDS and offers an opportunity to further educate the public about the devastating effects of the disease. The Museum’s 4th annual candlelight vigil will begin at 6:00 PM at Starbucks Coffee at 10 North Main Street, Doylestown. The procession will end at the Museum at 138 South Pine Street, where visitors are invited to attend a compelling discussion entitled “Our Community Commits to Action: A Bucks County HIV/AIDS Panel.” The discussion will be facilitated by Christopher Whitney and will include Peggy Farley, Hepatitis B Foundation Community Relations Manager, and representatives from the Bucks County Department of Health, Family Services of Bucks County, Planned Parenthood of Bucks County, the Rainbow Room, FACT of Bucks County, and Elaine Pasqua (HIV/AIDS Educator and lecturer). The panel discussion provides an opportunity for participants to learn about the dedication and commitment of area agencies as they continue to battle against the global pandemic of HIV/AIDS. The presentation will focus on issues of prevention, testing and treatment services. Programs, services and resources for persons at risk or living with HIV/AIDS will be available at the event.

The Museum will also present a dynamic performance by River Huston. The former Poet Laureate of Bucks County and longtime activist travels throughout the United States speaking at universities, community organizations and conferences on issues related to HIV/AIDS, sexuality, alcohol abuse and body image. She is the founder of the Women’s Wellness Fund, a resource for women seeking information about alternative, as well as conventional, treatments for HIV infection. Ms. Huston received the Dorothea Lange/Paul Taylor award for A Positive Life: Portraits of Women Living with HIV and is the creator of Goddess: A New Guide to Feminine Wisdom.

In addition, the Gift of Giving VI, the annual celebration of art and giving, will be on exhibit. Two and three-dimensional work created by students from Neshaminy School District will be on display through December 12 then gift wrapped and delivered to Trinity Episcopal Church to be distributed to area residents who are affected by HIV/AIDS.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, which it created to accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.