Local Prevention Specialist Recipient of “Red Ribbon” AIDS Service Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2008
Contact
Julie Pryde, Administrator
(217) 531-5369 /
Lori A. Holmes, Public Relations
(217) 531-2927
Local Prevention Specialist Recipient of “Red Ribbon” AIDS Service Award
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Prevention Specialist Receives State Award for Service to the Community
Champaign, IL – Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) Prevention Specialist, Joe Trotter, was recently named the first recipient of the newly renamed “Beth Wehrman Award – Takin’ It To The Streets” at the 17th Annual HIV/STD Conference held in Springfield, IL on October 28 – 30, 2008. This award will be given annually to the individual whose actions best address the needs of underserved HIV/STD citizens in the State of Illinois, and best address the ongoing issues of infectious disease prevention and management.
Joe Trotter has served as a Prevention Specialist at CUPHD for 2 years. Despite the relatively short time, Joe has made great strides in addressing the needs of injection drug users engaging in behavior that might lead to the contraction of HIV or viral Hepatitis. Joe has spent countless hours learning about the needs of the IDU community in Central IL often on his own time, while continuing to perform the duties of his “real job” at CUPHD. He works directly with underserved populations on the streets.
“Joe has a need for life to be fair and equitable, and for all people to be respected and served.” said Candi Crause, Acting Director of Infectious Disease Prevention and Management at CUPHD. “Over the past two years, Joe has been able to give a voice to those who are traditionally not heard. Through Joe, many people are able to find the resources to live longer and healthier lives. His compassion has truly made a difference in our community.”
The 17th Annual HIV/STD Conference focused on “A New Frontier – Integrating Medicine, Services, and Technology”. Conference attendees believe that a comprehensive approach must be used to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The ultimate goal of the conference was to provide new ideas and practical information to assist IL professionals in achieving this end in everyday work. The conference focused on fostering connections across disciplinary lines to share effective prevention approaches and research findings, to examine state-ofthe-art medical management of HIV and STDs, to strategize the best ways to get services to those in need, and to learn about current and emerging policy issues.
The Takin It To The Streets was renamed to honor Beth Wehrman for her tireless efforts in infectious disease prevention and management and pioneering work in the field of HIV. Beth advocated taking messages out of the traditional setting and to the people most at risk and in need. Beth’s dedication gained her the reputation and respect admired by others. Beth recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. This award was renamed in her memory.
Four other CUPHD employees received “Red Ribbon Awards” at previous HIV/STD Conferences: Arlene Valentine, Sonya Kuykendall, Jeffery Erdman, and Julie Pryde.
For more information on HIV or STD awareness, prevention or testing, or any other CUPHD program, please contact CUPHD at (217) 352-7961 or visit CUPHD on the web at www.c-uphd.org.
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