Dec. 1, also known as World AIDS Day, has been designated as the day to inform, unite, and have people fight against the virus that kills and infects millions of people around the globe. Skyline will be holding an event, AIDS Rock, in the quad on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help spread awareness and information about AIDS and HIV.

The Global Summary of the AIDS Epidemic for December 2006 currently estimates that 39.5 million people are living with HIV and 2.9 million died of AIDS.

“We’re going to be out there with them [associated students] giving out condoms and informational brochures and pamphlets on HIV and testing,” said Jan Gersonde, Skyline College nurse.

When asked whether or not actual HIV and AIDS testing was going to be available at the AIDS Rock, Gersonde explained that the San Mateo County Mobile N.I.G.H.T. Program Testing Van stopped visiting Skyline’s campus for the last two years due to budget cuts from the state, which in turn curtailed the number of places the van visits.

The AIDS Rock event is Skyline’s way to contribute to the AIDS Foundation as well as bring awareness to the campus about the various issues surrounding the epidemic. All the proceeds from AIDS Rock will be contributed to the AIDS Foundation, according to Wendy Smith, student activities representative. There will be a bake sale in the Student Activities Office, as well as barbecue being sold in the quad.