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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">1005 W. Worley St. <br />Columbia, MO 65203</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">November 30, 2021</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Ashton Day
<br />Health Educator
<br />Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services
<br />573.874.7769
<br />Ashton.Day@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services to honor World AIDS Day</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - World AIDS Day is commemorated annually on Dec. 1. This year’s theme is "Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone's Voice." This year also marks the 40th anniversary of when the first cases of HIV were recorded in the United States.<br /><br />In honor of World AIDS Day, Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) will host a Facebook Live session at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1. PHHS Health Educator Tracey Bathe and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Prevention Program Coordinator Dustin Hampton will discuss the history of HIV/AIDS, the current status of the disease in mid-Missouri and best practices for prevention. The Facebook Live can be viewed on the PHHS page at <a href="http://www.Facebook.com/CoMoHealthDept">Facebook.com/CoMoHealthDept</a>.<br /><br />PHHS will have a dedicated webpage highlighting World AIDS Day and resources for pre
venting HIV/AIDS. The page will be available on <a href="http://www.ShowMeCondoms.org">ShowMeCondoms.org</a> from Dec. 1 through Dec. 7. <br /><br />The webpage will also feature the unveiling of the renovated HIV clinic room located at PHHS, 1005 W. Worley St. This room is designated for those receiving rapid HIV tests or those enrolling in PrEP, an HIV prevention medication.<br /><br />"Our goal with creating this space is to offer an inclusive and safe place for all who visit our clinic," PHHS Health Educator Stephanie Lilly said. "We understand that these conversations are very sensitive. People come from many different backgrounds and we strive to meet people wherever they’re at in life and provide them a safe place and resources to help live a healthier sex life."<br /><br />Renovations in the HIV clinic room include an art piece highlighting the history of the queer experience in America. The art installation was completed by two local ar
tists, Ezra Komo (he/him) and Ashton Trimmer (they/them), in partnership with LIT Studios located in Columbia. Renovations were made possible by funding provided by DHSS and the Ending the HIV Epidemic grant. <br /><br />Events in previous years have included documentary screenings, Q&A with experts and testing events. The event this year is being held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. <br /><br />Those interested in learning more about HIV services offered at PHHS can email <a href="mailto: ShowMeCondoms@CoMo.gov">ShowMeCondoms@CoMo.gov</a>.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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