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WCNY airs award-winning documentary “Facing HIV/AIDS in Central New York”
 Syracuse NY: WCNY will rebroadcast its award-winning, original documentary, “Facing HIV/AIDS in Central New York” on Thursday, November 29, at 11 p.m. to commemorate “World AIDS Day” on Saturday, December 1.
The WCNY production team brought home a highly-coveted “Silver Telly Award” for the original documentary in May 2007. This film (Rated: PG-13), hosted and produced by WCNY’s own, George Kilpatrick, was first aired in 2006 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the first diagnosed case of HIV/AIDS in the United States. WCNY produced this film with a grant awarded to only 10 cities in the U.S. by PBS. It was originally released to coincide with the 2006 release of “The Age of AIDS”: a 2-part series produced by FRONTLINE. During the 30-minute production, Kilpatrick takes us through the process of “Rapid AIDS Testing”. Kilpatrick, who received his Bachelor and Masters degrees at Syracuse University, made this film as a very personal and public appeal for education, protection and testing. “The real focus is awareness,” says Kilpatrick. “Candid conversations and interviews give an intimate look into the lives of people diagnosed and living with AIDS … some you would not expect could be at risk or infected with the disease. We also visited a local Baptist Church, where the pastor openly preaches about AIDS, to raise awareness in communities of color.” “Making this documentary was a powerfully moving experience for me,” says Kilpatrick. “While I waited to confirm my own AIDS status, I learned a tremendous amount from meeting and talking with people already diagnosed, courageously sharing their stories with us. For some, it was the first time they had talked to anyone on television about their status … and they willingly talked to us!” Robert J. Daino, WCNY President & CEO, also proudly announces, “In 2007 WCNY’s media efforts were again recognized, this time by the New York State Department of Health for distinguished public health service.” According to Laurie Ellsworth, Regional HIV Program Coordinator, NYS Department of Health, “With this documentary, WCNY has been able to put into words what we have been trying to get across to the public for a long time. So many of those who test positive are heterosexual monogamous clients who don't feel they are at risk. You were able to convey the message that everyone truly is at risk and should be tested. When the documentary was first aired, the number of callers on our Regional Hotline doubled, with many clients seeking testing for the first time. I believe WCNY deserves some or all of the credit for that increase. Please keep up the good work raising awareness about this very important topic!” To order a copy of the DVD, “Facing HIV/Aids in Central New York”, visit “The MemberShop!” at www.wcny.org . And for teachers who want to connect your classroom to this local health issue, using video that meets NYS Standards, visit the “Interactive Education” section of www.wcny.org to learn how to integrate “Facing HIV/Aids in Central New York” into your next lesson plan.
If you would like become a member and recieve free copy of DVD click here or call (315) 253-2424 ex270 to order.
Facing HIV/AIDS in Central New York
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