The World AIDS Day Health Fair was held on December 1^st from 9 am to 2:30 pm at Ballou High School.  Its mission was to provide all students with a HIV test so they know their status, educate them about the deadly disease and lastly, provide them with community resources.  Three of the peer educators, Drew, Maxine and Tim attended and tabled at the fair.  Many students went up to the P.O.W.E.R. Program booth and increased their knowledge about our program and what kind of services we provide.  Staff also gave away freebies like condoms, key chains, pens and mirrors with the P.O.W.E.R. logo on them.  There were many other organizations that showed up, too.  There were about 100 students who showed up and it is absolutely safe to say everyone had a good time!

Later that same evening, the P.O.W.E.R. Program presented “Work It 4 World AIDS Day” an event in partnership with Boundless BE and the Columbia Heights Recreation Center.  This was also on December 1^st from 6 to 9 pm at Columbia Heights Recreation Center.  Melissa, Genoa, Jasmine and Jalisa along with everyone else were offered free Zumba and Turbo kick lessons in addition to free HIV testing and Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screenings.  25 people participated in Zumba which was taught by Ms. Roberta Jackson, and 13 people were tested (hooray!).  It is no doubt that this event was a success.  Free gifts were given out during Zumba and free raffle tickets for Metro TeenAIDS’ The Golden Ticket event were also distributed.  $116 was raised to put towards HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention!