We face a mortal threat

I am not one to watch much television, however due to an unfortunate accident, I am very limited to physical activity.  Fighting boredom, I turned the TV on and was greeted with a preview of a new Summer Series called “The Gates”, on ABC.
What got to me is the chilling proclamation for the series, “Men would be in “GREAT MORTAL DANGER!””, if they fell victim of the blood sucking inhabitants within “The  Gates”.  A very strong meaning, isn’t it? 
The TRUTH is we do have a “Mortal” threat amongst us, within our gates, our community. One which no one wants to talk about or even acknowledge. 
This threat is HIV/AIDS, and it is a very real threat to man and woman, young and old, everyone. I was informed through a safety meeting that there are HIV/AIDS cases in Gonzales, and the numbers would surprise a lot of people. It is a well kelp secret because of the stigma attached to it, but this is not the right approach.
This disease (the mortal threat) can be inflected to others, with malice,(knowingly) as a deadly weapon, for revenge, hatred, or just because this person/persons feel like it is only fair to pass it on as they got it, and oh well! (There are hundreds of cases in just the United States, with many even being convicted as a crime under our Judicial System.) There are others, that don’t know they are carrying it, because it can take years to develop, and can spread the HIV virus unknowingly to others.  There is a very good brochure that shows the startling stats and risks associated with HIV/AIDS/STDs, entitled “How At Risk Are You?” It should be available to everyone so we can understand the real threat we are facing.
The biggest problem is there is not enough education to raise awareness for these debilitating diseases known as STD s, HIV and AIDS in our community.  We have the resources to accomplish this, why aren’t we actively involved. Do we think we are immune?
The fact of the matter is, there is a problem with these diseases, like there is a problem with drugs, crime, illiteracy, poverty, need I go on?  With all of these mentioned problems, STDs/HIV/AIDS are a very probable part of it. And all these problems exist in our community!
Ah, I know, you reading this are saying, “Not me, I don’t do that or I am not in those groups!” What about your co-workers, the cook at your favorite restaurant, the hair stylist, the one doing your nails, your best friend, you son/daughter, your grandchildren, relatives, this threat is open to all. Look at these facts!
Fact: “When having sex with someone, you are having sex with everyone that person has had sex with for the last 10 years, and everyone they and their partners have had sex with for the last 10 years” (C Everett Koop, MD, Former U.S.Surgeon)
We, Gonzales County, needs to educate our residents like many other communities, placing strong emphasis on prevention and the risks of contracting these diseases.  President Reagan understanding the problem then, signed into Law, “October as National AIDS Month”, and the epidemic as only gotten worse. December 1st is “World Awareness Day”, because this is a world wide threat.  
Working in a industrial environment for 30 years, education on these diseases were mandated under the OSHA standards, and were followed up relentlessly every year.  I challenge all companies in our community to vigorously pursue this.  I, being a Safety Professional, ensuring this was accomplished for legal reasons and because I care, used resources such as the “Red Cross”, “Hospital and Community Clinic staff”, and HIV/AIDs Center professionals to communicate these hazards.
I believe that education is a perpetual process, not just for school age community members, but for all community members. We have a learning center, the Gonzales Learning Community Center (GLCC), that places an emphasis on adult education (which is in my belief stated above), that could host open education for all interested in this subject.
I also would assist in any manner needed. Share the Courage, lets get the word out!  There is a “Mortal Threat” amongst us!