FARMINGTON – State and local experts will join in a panel discussion starting at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the University of Maine at Farmington to discuss how AIDS is impacting women and girls. The panel is part of UMF’s observation of World AIDS Day. The event is free and the public is welcome to attend.

Julia McDonald, executive director of the Maine AIDS Alliance, will discuss the profile of HIV across the state, as well as the role of state agencies and legislative policies that impart the rates of HIV infection. Sharon Pree, executive director of Dayspring AIDS Support Services, will inform the audience about services her agency provides to residents of Franklin County, one of five Maine counties served by Dayspring.

Discussing issues and services on an even more local level, Dr. Ellen Grunblatt, director of the UMF Student Health Center, will talk about and answer questions about HIV among the college student population. The fourth panelist, Micheala Alexander, is a woman living with AIDS. She is a client of Dayspring and also volunteers at a domestic violence agency in Waterville. She will discuss her personal experience as one who is not part of a stereotypical “high risk” group, as well as what she has learned about the relationship between domestic violence and the risk of HIV infection.

Each year, a different aspect of HIV and AIDS is the theme when people around the globe take time out to remember those who have been impacted by HIV and AIDS. HIV infection rates are now highest among women – yet education, prevention and treatment programs often only minimally focus on this population. Historically, HIV programming has targeted gay men or intravenous drug users, who are two of the so-called “high risk” groups.

The UMF World AIDS Day panel discussion will take place in Thomas Auditorium, located in Ricker/Preble Hall on campus. A candlelight remembrance and march will be held after the presentation.

For more information, contact UMF associate professor of psychology Brian Kaufman at 778-7379.