HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-87-0683BOARD oft DIRECTOR$
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March 30, 1987
Commissioner Joe Corollo
City of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, Florida 33133
Dear Commissioner Corollo:
This let'-r is being written to place before the City Commission a request
for fit -ding by Health Crisis Network, Inc. HCN is a private, non-profit
organization, and the only social service agnecy in Dade County dedicated
to the problems related to the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Miami has the fourth highest incidence of AIDS of any SMSA in the United
States, and the third highest incidence of pediatric AIDS. Specifically,
the organization provides counseling and support services to persons
diagnosed with the disease (and their families), community education
for prevention of the spread of AIDS, and operates the AIDS "hot line"
for information an9 referral. Funding for these services comes from
grants and contractb with HRS, the Public Health Trust, United Way of
Dade County, the University of Miami School of Medicine and private
contributions.
In late 1985, the Health Council of Sou:n Florida convened an ad Hoc
AIDS Task Force, to identify the impact of the epidemic on this community,
and to develop a comprehensive plan to begin to address the needs. The
USPHS projects that within 4 years there will be 7,500 cases of AIDS
in Dade County, and at least 8 times that many (60,000) people infected
with the virus that causes AIDS, and transmitting it to others. The
multiplier effect is enormous.
To date, there is no cure for AIDS, and no vaccine for prevention.
The only prevention is education. The plan developed by the Health
Council outlines specific recommendations for that education, and
targets it to all segments of the community - adults and children,
men and women. It further specifies populations - hispanic, American
black, island black and anglo. Heterosexual spread is occurring rapidly.
It is urgent that we respond to this epidemic as the public health
emergency that it is.
Commissioner Joe Corollo
March 30, 1987
page 2
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Health Crisis Network is seeking a grant in the amount of $60,000 from
the City of Miami to develop an educational billboard campaign to increase
the level of AIDS awareness in the community, and to begin to reduce
fear. The basic goals are to normalize and legitimize AIDS in much
the same way as we are now comfortable with cancer and heart disease.
The billboard campaign would emphasize that AIDS prevention is everyone's
concern, not.just those who we think are at highest risk. It would
show groups of people, possibly with local officials and celebrities,
giving the messages of caring and concern for the community. Telephone
numbers for further information would be included.
We respectfully submit this request to the City Commission for consideration.
Sincerely,
SALhS. ACSU
Executive Director
SD/jes
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