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CDC/ATSDR celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by hosting two events: one focused on HIV/AIDS and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) related discrimination, the other examined cultural practices in Hong Kong and South Asia. The events took place on Monday, May 19, 2003 and Thursday, May 22, 2003, respectively, at CDC campuses in Atlanta, Georgia. The May 19 event, “HIV and SARS-Related Stigma and Discrimination,” featured presentations and discussions with Al and Jane Nakatani, founders of Honor Thy Children, Inc., and Bobbie Person, MPH, co-leader of the SARS Community Outreach Team, one of the 17 teams within the NCID SARS Outbreak Team. The Nakatani's shared how their family has coped with HIV/AIDS, homophobia, stigma, and discrimination through personal tragedy. Ms. Person discussed the impact of the SARS epidemic on Asian communities in the U.S. and how the CDC is working to reduce the stigma inappropriately associated with the disease since its discovery in February 2003.
The May 22 event featured “Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival” and
“Celebrating the Divine: Temple Theatre Performances in India and Bali.”
Eugene Hanratty, III from the Hong Kong Information Center, shared the
excitement of the Dragon Boat races that originated in Hong Kong and take
place worldwide each year. Dr. Farley Richmond, from the Center for Asian
Studies, discussed the theatre, music, and ritual that is an integral part
of Hindu worship in India and Bali.
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