Dec. 1st is World AIDS Day. It is unfortunate that AIDS has taken a back-seat in the public dialogue and relegated to one day of recognition.

This disease is alive and thriving in rural communities, ethnic communities and across all lines.

This past week, the Lake County BOS did their part and designated AIDS Awareness Week in Lake County with a Proclamation naming this and acknowledging the work of Community Care HIV/AIDS Project and Drop In Center.

In 2007, AIDS has many faces. Among them, scores of men, women and children, around the world, and here in Lake County.

For over two decades, Community Care HIV/AIDS Project-Drop In Center has been the sole provider of support and services for people who are HIV-Positive as well as responders to the growing pandemic that is HEP C.

I am advocating to let people know that help is available. No one in Lake County needs to wonder, or be ill and isolated, or not receive support and resources. At CCHAP-DIC, we are here, a staff of four, every Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. "Here" is a safe, drug-free, place to receive potentially life-saving information, emotional support and connection to the rare, existing resources.

With our partners, we can help folks with gas vouchers to make their multiple medical appointments, food vouchers, a food cupboard and other services. Our modest staff comprises a loving registered nurse/PHN, a vivacious-on-the-spot clinical social worker, a wonderful case aide and me.

We also provide support groups, exercise groups and client-to-client workshops free of charge to the client.

If you, or someone you care about, may be at-risk for HIV, or HEP C, please call us at 995-1606.

As a rural community, we need to work together to be the healthiest community we can be. Peace.

Ken Young lives in Clearlake Oaks.

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