EUGENE–"Be a force for change" is this year’s theme for World AIDS Day, which will be commemorated on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the University of Oregon.

"The goal of this year’s World AIDS Day effort is to challenge young people around the world to recognize the crucial role they play in the ever-changing course of this devastating pandemic," says Joanne Allyson Frank, director, health education services, UO University Health Center.

Beginning at noon, a memorial tree project will get underway in the Amphitheater at the Erb Memorial Union (EMU), 1222 E. 13th Ave. The event will feature speakers and a gospel choir, after which participants are invited to the grounds of the University Health Center, 1590 E. 13th Ave., where a tree will be planted as a living memorial to community members who died of AIDS.

In addition, health center staff have placed "Change for Change" jars around the UO campus and in the surrounding community, encouraging people to make contributions to support the local HIV Alliance. The alliance provides support services for community members who are HIV positive.

As of December 1997, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than 30 million people worldwide live with HIV, 90 percent of whom are in developing countries. According to WHO, every minute one young person is infected with HIV. In the United States, the organization estimates 650,000—900,000 people are living with HIV. The total number of AIDS cases reported in Oregon is 4,163.

Other planned events commemorating World AIDS Day include a dance and cabaret show on Friday, Dec. 4, in the EMU Fir Room. Admission is free.

The UO World AIDS Day events are sponsored by the University Health Center and its health education services, and the UO Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Alliance.

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