FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 29, 2006

Health Department to observe World AIDS Day

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department will commemorate World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 with a balloon release at noon and walk-in, confidential, free AIDS testing.

The testing will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in a screened area of the Health Department's atrium where an AIDS memorial quilt is on display. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the identification of AIDS. To commemorate the anniversary, 25 balloons will be released.

Thank You Christ Ministries, a Public Health Ambassador Program participant, will hold a World AIDS Day presentation and networking luncheon from 1-3 p.m. in the lower level of the Health Department. This event will feature speakers from the Health Department, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and Caring Committed Faith Community.

These events are being held at the Health Department, located at 2400 Troost Ave., and are free and open to the public.