On December 1st, the 20th Anniversary of World AIDS Day, Governor Baldacci and Dr. Mills joined Andrew Bossie, the Executive Director of the Maine AIDS Alliance and a number of others in the State House Hall of Flags for an event marked by celebration, somber remembrances, and a garnering of leadership.

We celebrated that life expectancy for those diagnosed with AIDS has increased from 4 months for those diagnosed 20 years ago to 8 years and climbing for those diagnosed now. We remembered the hundreds of Mainers who have died of AIDS over the years. And, we garnered political, health, and faith-based leadership to address the challenges faced by the estimated 1,600 Mainers diagnosed with HIV and to prevent the further spread of the infection.

I felt privileged to play a role in this day, and met some incredible Mainers with inspiring stories!

For more information on AIDS

Maine CDC HIV Website: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/hiv_std_vh.htm

Maine AIDS Alliance: http://www.maineaidsalliance.org/

US CDC HIV/AIDS Website: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/

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