The Freeborn County HIV/AIDS Task Force will invite local legislators and public office holders to a HIV/AIDS awareness event Friday, where they will share thoughts with people affected by HIV, in connection with World AIDS Day.

Wednesday, November 28, 2001

The Freeborn County HIV/AIDS Task Force will invite local legislators and public office holders to a HIV/AIDS awareness event Friday, where they will share thoughts with people affected by HIV, in connection with World AIDS Day.

The event, Lunch Out Loud, is the first attempt in the county to bridge policy makers and patients and family of HIV victims.

An HIV-positive individual and family members and friends of other HIV/AIDS patients will join the lunch at Brookside School in Albert Lea to tell of their experiences.

State legislators, county commissioners, city councilors and other officials of local public office and the education system are invited.

&uot;We hope legislators and elected officials will leave Lunch Out Loud with a personal connection to HIV disease and use this connection when HIV issues and policies come up in their fields,&uot; said the County HIV/AIDS Resource Person Lisa Dugger.

According to the Taskforce there have been six HIV-positive cases reported in the county so far. But Dugger thinks the number would be larger considering a fluid population.

Joyce Rhody, Lunch Out Loud coordinator, expects the event will contribute to personalizing the issue when the local representatives and officials are coping with HIV/AIDS policy.

Rural communities can never be immune from the disease, she said. &uot;The local agriculture industry can suffer from the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa,&uot; she said.

The Task Force also plans a candlelight walk and prayer service on Dec. 1. The public is invited to join the event starting 5:45 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church on North Washington St. in Albert Lea.