Charlotte, NC--­  Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department hosts a local  observance of World AIDS Day with a special forum on Saturday, December 6, 2008, 2pm-5pm, at Albemarle Road Recreation Center, 5027 N. Idlewild Road. The forum is FREE to the public. It is sponsored by Teens Taking Action of Charlotte and Time Out Youth. 

The forum will feature teens from the Metrolina AIDS Project Youth Speakers Bureau describing experiences with HIV and how it has affected their lives. The program will also include a panel discussion, AIDS testing on site, and information tables on all aspects of AIDS including prevention.

The purpose of World AIDS Day is to encourage early detection of AIDS and an end to discrimination against those who suffer with the disease. Park and Recreation invites teens, clubs, and parents to attend the forum. The program will also offer local entertainment and free refreshments.  

World AIDS day is generally observed internationally on December 1 (a Monday this year). This forum is scheduled December 6, the following Saturday, which allows greater participation. For more information contact Keisha.Coxe@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or  704 567-1941.