Insurance Provider Promotes AIDS Awareness in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning Monday, Nov. 30, and continuing throughout the remaining work week, the spire atop Fifth Avenue Place, the headquarters for Highmark Inc., will be illuminated red as the health insurer joins hundreds of other companies, organizations and cities across the country to support World AIDS Day.

The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day in 1988 to help governments, faith-based organizations community groups and individuals seize the opportunity in raising AIDS awareness.

"Highmark encourages individuals to know their HIV status and do their part in helping to curb the AIDS epidemic," said Donald Fischer, M.D., Highmark's chief medical director. "Experts agree that being informed and practicing safe sex can help provide protection against HIV infection."

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 1.1 million persons in the United States were living with diagnosed or undiagnosed AIDS by the end of 2006. Locally, only 38 percent of Allegheny County adults aged 18 to 64 have ever had an HIV blood test, according to the Allegheny County Health Department.

Highmark employees will have the chance to show their support and learn more about AIDS by participating in a number of employee-only events. On Friday, December 4, employees are encouraged to wear "Red." In addition, employees will also have the opportunity to take part in a panel discussion with three Pittsburgh-based individuals who will share their own personal stories on living with HIV.

It is estimated that prevention efforts have averted more than 350,000 HIV infections in the United States between 1991 to 2006. There are many steps one can take in response to HIV/AIDS. These include:

• Knowing your status by getting tested for HIV
• Not engaging in high-risk behaviors
• Talking to family, friends and colleagues about HIV prevention
• Supporting people living with AIDS
• Getting involved in a World AIDS Day event

AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is caused by end-stage infection of the HIV virus. People infected with AIDS means that the HIV virus has weakened their immune system to a point where they can no longer fight infection. HIV is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood contact and sexual contact.

About Highmark Inc.

As one of the leading health insurers in Pennsylvania, Highmark Inc.'s mission is to provide access to affordable, quality health care enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. Based in Pittsburgh, Highmark serves 4.8 million people through the company's health care benefits business. Highmark contributes millions of dollars to help keep quality health care programs affordable and to support community-based programs that work to improve people's health. Highmark exerts an enormous economic impact throughout Pennsylvania. A recent study states that Highmark's positive impact exceeded $2.5 billion. The company provides the resources to give its members a greater hand in their health.

Highmark Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

SOURCE Highmark Inc.

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