Public Employee Press

Union Scrapbook
Union continues fight against AIDS

As communities across the globe struggle with the AIDS epidemic, World AIDS Day unites their efforts in a massive day of remembrance, education and advocacy. DC 37 has observed the day for 20 years.

An exhibit in the union lobby Dec. 1 displayed memory quilts and a table of pamphlets, prophylactics, and red ribbons, organized by DC 37’s AIDS Committee, Women’s Committee and Lesbian and Gay Issues Committee.

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts joined the committee members staffing the table. “The epidemic is still severe,” she said. “A large percentage of the HIV/AIDS cases occur in New York City, and we have to continue the fight against this scourge.”

“This is one of our most important programs,” said DC 37 Women’s Committee Chair and Local 957 President Walthene Primus. “AIDS is not over and we need to do everything we can to end it.”

“We’re coming up on the 30th anniversary of dealing with HIV/AIDS and it’s still just as important as when the epidemic broke, especially among young women of color,” said LAGIC Chair and Local 436 President Judith Arroyo. “That’s where the new cases are, and it’s important that we keep getting that message out there — to be safe!”

The Obama administration and the William J. Clinton Foundation sponsored a World AIDS Day forum at Columbia University to help guide the development of a national AIDS strategy.