Governor John Kasich issued a proclamation recognizing October 14th through the 20th as AIDS Awareness Week in Ohio.

  Several activities will be taking place in Richland County designed to increase awareness of HIV/ AIDS and to raise awareness on how the spread of this disease can be prevented.
 
  The Mansfield-Ontario-Richland County Health Department is displaying flags in front of the building commemorating those who have died from HIV/AIDS in the region.  Currently, there are 76 people living with HIV/AIDS in Richland County.  In Ohio, more than 17-thousand are living with the disease.

  One important event recognizing HIV/AIDS Awareness week was held Tuesday at the Kehoe Center in Shelby.

  The awareness seminar titled "Sex, HIV, and the Law" offered a variety of speakers discussing a number of topics including Modes of Transmission, HIV Criminalization and Universal Prevention.
 
  Other events taking place this week is a candle light vigil held Wednesday evening at the Mansfield Ontario Richland County Health Department and free HIV testing on Thursday at Ashland University.

  For more information about AIDS Resource Center Ohio in Mansfield, call 419-525-AIDS. You can learn more about the events taking place this week by calling 419-774-4700.