Bank of America Supports AIDS Education, Prevention & Testing

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – January 10, 2008)

Bank of America recently presented a $25,000 check to help sustain community outreach efforts through the Education, Prevention & Testing Department at Desert AIDS Project.

“The Center for Disease Control estimates that 25% of the 1.2 million Americans with HIV don’t know they are infected. These untested HIV-positive individuals – who are eight times more likely to spread HIV – are the source of 68% of all new infections. If all of these people were tested, new infection rates might be cut by nearly 60%,” said David Brinkman, Executive Director of Desert AIDS Project. “We are so grateful that Bank of America supports our efforts to help people get tested for HIV. Because an HIV test is the first step to getting the care necessary for those who find out that they are positive.”

Tammy Fox, Senior Vice President of U.S. Trust, Bank of America, presented the check to D.A.P. and said, “We are proud to support the good work that Desert AIDS Project does in helping to prevent more HIV infections and get those into care who need it. As with most medical conditions, I’m sure that early diagnosis and treatment of HIV is crucial in the fight against AIDS.”

Bank of America will also be returning as Presenting Sponsor for Dining Out for Life on May 1, 2008. Anyone can support D.A.P. just by having a meal at a participating restaurant on that day. Those restaurants will be donating a percentage of that day’s proceeds to D.A.P.

Desert AIDS Project at the Greenburg-Peet Family Center is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive services to help manage HIV disease. D.A.P. offers primary medical care through its Wells Fargo HIV Health Center. The Project provides widespread education and prevention services for schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and health organizations throughout the communities it serves. Anonymous HIV testing is also provided. For more information, call 760-323-2118.