BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB "LIGHT TO UNITE PRGRAM"

Bristol-Myers Squibb(BMS) and the National AIDS Fund launched the 3rd annual "Light to Unite Campaign" on 11/27/06 to support World AIDS Day. I just found out about this campaign today, and will pass along the information, since the campaign is active until 12/31/06.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a major pharmaceutical company whose mission statement includes: "At Bristol-Myers Squibb, our mission is to extend and enhance human life by providing the highest quality pharmaceuticals and health care products". Bristol-Myers Squibb developed, manufactures, and sells several life-saving antiretroviral medications to treat HIV and AIDS: Sustiva (efavirenz), Reyataz (atazanavir), Zerit (stavudine), Videx EC (didanosine), and it shares the co-marketing of Atripla (Truvada plus Sustiva in a combination pill) with another major pharmaceutical company.

The National AIDS Fund was founded in 1988 to reduce the incidence and impact of HIV/AIDS by promoting leadership and generating resources for effective community responses to the epidemic; the organization connects national and local funders, scientists, and community based organizations in the fight against the worldwide pandemic of HIV and AIDS.

People across the United States are encouraged to visit the "Light to Unite" website to educate themselves about HIV and AIDS and the issues surrounding the disease, as well as to show their support for those who are infected with or affected by the virus. On the website, visitors can light a "virtual candle" to show support for those living with HIV and AIDS. For each candle that is lit, BMS will donate $1, up to a maximum of $100,ooo, to benefit AIDS Service Organizations in under-served areas of the United States. This campaign is active until 12/31/06, however at this time the maximum of $100,000 has already been reached. Please continue to visit the site, share your experiences and knowledge, and educate yourself about the disease. BMS has a strong commitment to the support of HIV and AIDS education and treatment, and it would not surprise me if they responded to an overwhelming response to the campaign with additional contributions.

BMS also sponsors a program called "Secure the Future", which is dedicated to providing care and support to women and children in Africa with HIV and AIDS. Click here to learn more.