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    Walking for Awareness: ASIST Hosts HIV Walk-A-Thon

    NEWPORT NEWS, VA, UNITED STATES

    06.27.2018

    Story by Seaman Apprentice Adam Ferrero 

    USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

    Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Awareness Walk-A-Thon at Huntington Hall, June 27.

    Participants walked eight laps around the track and were encouraged to walk two additional laps for every person they knew that was affected by HIV.

    The ASIST team hosted the event with the goal of informing Sailors and their loved ones about how HIV affects the lives of those around them.

    “We wanted to raise awareness for HIV and bring notice to the cause that people are affected still in our Navy,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Kate Phillips, an assistant program manager for the George Washington ASIST team.

    According to a fact sheet found on the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) website, an active duty Sailor or Marine is diagnosed with HIV about every four days, and over 6,000 Sailors and Marines have been diagnosed with HIV since 1985.

    “We hope people become educated so they know the facts, and get tested regularly,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Cristina Keller, an assistant program manager for the George Washington ASIST team. “HIV affects more military men and women than most know or care to talk about.”

    HIV doesn’t discriminate. ASIST wanted to show their support to those who have, or know of someone struggling with HIV or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

    “I’m hoping that this will be a reminder for those who have the disease that they have support, but also for those not affected to practice safe sex, testing and proper precautions to prevent the spread,” said Philips. “I just want the George Washington crew to know that the ASIST team is here for those who need a shoulder to lean on, or someone to listen to.”
    During and after the event, the ASIST team accepted donations for the LGBT Life Center in Norfolk, who provide treatment and counseling for those with HIV and AIDS.

    For more information about HIV and AIDS, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website’s HIV information page at https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/, or visit the NMCPHC website at https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.27.2018
    Date Posted: 07.05.2018 10:31
    Story ID: 283311
    Location: NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US

    Web Views: 61
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN