EVERETT — The Snohomish Health District has scheduled an event on World AIDS Day on Monday.
Both the district and the Lifelong AIDS Alliance organization are hosting the program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the atrium of the Rucker Building, 3020 Rucker Ave., Everett.
Speakers include Dr. Gary Goldbaum, director of the health district, and Teresa Rugg.
Rugg, a Snohomish County resident, is a world traveler whose journeys have taken her to South Africa. She will speak on her insights into the connection between HIV and tuberculosis in South Africa.
“Locally our concern is preventing tuberculosis and HIV coming together,” Goldbaum said. “We are always on guard and encourage screening for HIV but we are always sensitive about TB and HIV together.”
An airborne disease, tuberculosis is dangerous for those infected with HIV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one-third of those living with HIV are also infected with tuberculosis and responsible for nearly half of all AIDS deaths.
“People that are HIV positive can get started on medication and not develop AIDS for a long time,” Goldbaum said. “But we have new cases of HIV and AIDS — we are not doing enough. They are preventable.”
Event planners have also scheduled family health information displays, live music, a candlelight ceremony and confidential HIV testing.
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
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