Upcoming HIV/AIDS Awareness Days!

March is almost here, and it's coming in like a lion in a flurry of activity!  There are two HIV/AIDS Awareness days this month, so wear your ribbons and get the word out about testing! 

March 10 is National Women and Girls' HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.  Women of color are disproportionally affected by HIV/AIDS, and complications of AIDS are the leading cause of death for women of color aged 25 to 34.  More information about the day, events scheduled nationally, and posters can be found here.

March 20 is National Native American HIV/AIDS Awareness day. American Indians and Alaska Natives have the third highest rates of AIDS diagnosis in the United States!  Posters, fact sheets, and other information can be found here.

Stay safe, stay warm, and just keep thinking that the days are getting longer and warmer!

Posted by Joy Sinclair on Thursday, February 26th 2009 in National news and Health & wellness

Red Ribbon Ball a Huge Success!

The Board of Directors, staff and clients of Eastern Maine AIDS Network would like to thank everyone who donated to and/or attended the Third Annual Red Ribbon Ball on Saturday, February 7, 2009.

As a result of your generosity, this year EMAN was able to raise almost $12,000, which will allow us to continue to meet the vital needs of people with HIV/AIDS in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Aroostook counties, as well as actively promote prevention education and harm reduction, and advocate for fair, effective programs and policies.

Despite the difficult economic times, EMAN is thrilled to have achieved a 9% increase in funds from last year's Red Ribbon Ball, as well as a huge increase in attendees (almost double!), which is a testament to the commitment and support of our community.

In an era of decreased funding for AIDS Service Organizations, community support is vital. EMAN plays a critical role in educating citizens on the risks and realities of living with the disease, combating prejudice, testing for HIV, providing prevention services, counseling, and helping people and families living with HIV/AIDS to gain medical care, housing, food, and nutritional support.

EMAN would also like to offer a hearty thank you to Spectacular Event Center for providing the fabulous location for this year's Ball, as well as Brian Catell and the Jump City Jazz Band for their enthusiasm and keeping us dancing all night.

Posted by Suze Howe on Tuesday, February 24th 2009 in EMAN News

Found at the Red Ribbon Ball

A resounding thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Red Ribbon Ball a success.  There was a silver bracelet found at the Spectacular Events Center after the ball.  Please call us at (207) 990-3626 to identify it and we will make sure it gets back to you. Thanks!

Posted by Joy Sinclair on Monday, February 9th 2009

Red Ribbon Ball: Discounts For Nearby Hotels

For any Red Ribbon Ball attendees who need a place to stay overnight, the following hotels offer a discount if you mention that the Spectacular Event Center staff referred you.

• Sheraton Four Points - at the Airport, 1/4 mile
  Sales Contact:  Lucy at 207-947-6721

• Ramada Inn - Odlin Road, 1 mile
  Sales Contact:  Shelly at 207-947-6961

• Day's Inn - Odlin Road, 1 mile
  Sales Contact:  Christina at 207-942-8272

• Holiday Inn - Odlin Road, 1 mile
  Sales Contact:  Tina at 207-947-0101

Posted by Suze Howe on Wednesday, January 14th 2009 in EMAN News

Red Ribbon Ball Tickets On Sale January 5th!

Third Annual Red Ribbon Ball

Saturday, February 7th

7:00pm to Midnight

Spectacular Event Center

Bangor, ME

Tickets are $40.00 per person until January 23rd ($50.00pp after)

This is Eastern Maine AIDS Network's biggest fundraiser of the year and in light of the current economic situation, the money raised is more crucial than ever to helping us provide quality service to our clients.  Come support a great cause and have fun at the same time!

There will be dancing with the Brian Catell Band, hors'doevres, a cash bar, and a silent auction.  Black tie optional.

Tickets will be on sale starting January 5th and may be purchased online (there will be a form on the main page of this site) or by contacting EMAN at 207-990-3626 or rrb@maineaidsnetwork.com.

Posted by Suze Howe on Monday, December 29th 2008 in EMAN News

Many thanks for a successful World AIDS Day

Thank you all so much for your support of World AIDS Day at the University of Maine Student Union and the Hammond Street Congregational Church.  Many thanks to Ja'Nette Converse for sharing her story with us all.  Various employees and volunteers were interviewed by the local media, and we are also thankful for their support.

If you would like to see photos from the event at the Church, please click here.

We wish you the happiest of holidays and look forward to seeing everyone at the Red Ribbon Ball on February 7, 2009!

Posted by Joy Sinclair on Wednesday, December 3rd 2008 in EMAN in the media and EMAN News

World AIDS Day 2008

December 1st is World AIDS Day.  EMAN will be sponsoring an event at the Hammond Street Congregational Church in Bangor, starting at 6:30pm.  This will include a display of panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, a timeline of HIV, a service and speakers.  More information and details will be posted as they become available.

Posted by Suze Howe on Friday, October 24th 2008 in EMAN News

Save the Date - 3rd Annual Red Ribbon Ball

Lights!  Camera!  ACTION! 

The 3rd Annual Red Ribbon Ball - with the theme of "The Red Ribbon Meets the Red Carpet" - will be held on Saturday, February 7th from 7:00pm-midnight at the Spectacular Events Center in Bangor.  There will be dancing, hors d'oevres, a silent auction and much more.  More details will be posted as they become available.

Posted by Suze Howe on Friday, October 24th 2008 in EMAN News

4th Annual Maine HIV Prevention & Care Conference

On Monday, October 20th, AdCare Educational Institute of Maine in partnership with the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Maine Department of Health and Human services, will host Maine's 4th Annual HIV Prevention and Care Conference.

The conference will take place at the Augusta Civic Center.  For more information got to www.neias.org/hiv08.html

Posted by Suze Howe on Friday, August 29th 2008 in Meetings & Conferences

UMaine To Host Conference On HIV/AIDS In People Over 50

On September 26th, from 9:00am-noon, there will be a conference on HIV/AIDS in people over 50.  It will take place at the Buchanan House on the University of Maine, Orono, campus, and is free and open to the public.

Jean Lavigne, PhD, one of EMAN's board members, recently gave an interview about the conference to MPBN Radio.  You can read a brief article and hear the interview at the MPBN Radio website.

Posted by Suze Howe on Wednesday, August 27th 2008 in EMAN in the media and Meetings & Conferences