Annual New Jersey three-day bicycle ride against aids

New Jersey Women and AIDS Network‘s (NJWAN) Executive Director Monique Howard will participate as a biker in the annual New Jersey Ride Against AIDS on September 26 to 28. The three-day bicycling event begins at High Point State Park in beautiful northwest New Jersey and concludes in the charming, Victorian town of Cape May at the southernmost point of the state. The length of the ride is approximately 250 miles.
“Among the 50 states, New Jersey has the highest estimated proportion of women living with AIDS and has the third largest proportion of children living with HIV/AIDS,” NJWAN Executive Director Monique Howard said.
Thirty-six riders are expected to participate in this year’s ride. New Jersey Ride Against AIDS is a 100 percent volunteer organization. There are no salaried employees or paid staff. This is an exemplary fact for people to consider when making the decision to participate in or contribute to this rewarding and important event benefiting our brothers and sisters who are affected by HIV/AIDS. All of the proceeds raised from pledges and private donations will support the work of the following HIV/AIDS charities: The Center in Asbury Park, Inc.; South Jersey AIDS Alliance; Broadway House for Continuing Care; The Eric Johnson House; Access One, Inc.; HiTOPS (Health-Interested Teens’ Own Program); Family-Centered Care Network and the New Jersey Women and AIDS Network.The following is based on information provided by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) Division of HIV/AIDS Services (DHAS).
Some surprising statistics:
• By mid 2005, 33,313 people were reported living with HIV or AIDS in New Jersey.
• Minorities account for 75% of adult/adolescent cumulative HIV/AIDS cases and 78% of all persons living with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey.
• Injection drug use and sexual contact remain the major modes of exposure to HIV infection. The proportion of reported cases with HIV/AIDS who were exposed through injection drug use (IDU) is lower than in the past, while the proportion of cases that were exposed through sexual contact is increasing.
• Almost seven of ten persons living with HIV/AIDS are over 40 years of age or older.
• 36 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey are females, 3 out of 4 of them are currently 20-49 years old.
Established in May 1988, New Jersey Women and AIDS Network (NJWAN) works to reduce the spread of HIV infection in women; support the self-determination of women living with HIV/AIDS to better access quality care and treatment; educate service providers and the community-at-large; and advocate for appropriate policies ensuring access to health care, treatment, housing and other support services vital to the women and AIDS pandemic.