This years' World AIDS Day theme of “Universal Access and Human Rights was celebrated today in an event honoring five Montanans.

Sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services, the event was held this morning at the Capitol Rotunda in Helena.

Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger was on hand to present the awards to the five recipients, who were recognized for their leadership and efforts to reduce the incidence of HIV and the accompanying stigma.

One of the awards went to David Herrera of Missoula, an educator and organizational leader, who said
“As long as we can.. fight the stigma, the fear, that continues to accompany this terrible disease - we have to tell people to not be afraid to get tested, to not be afraid to talk to their friends, to their loved ones, so that if they know somebody with HIV or they know somebody that's putting themselves at risk.”

After the awards were presented and the speeches were given, the celebrations continued with a buffet lunch for everyone in attendance.

In Montana, 429 people - Including two children - are living with HIV or AIDS. Every year, approximately 56,000 Americans are infected with HIV. Half of them are teenagers.

DPHHS Director Aanna Whiting Sorrell says the five individuals honored today are truly making a difference to help prevent the spread of the disease.