A concept developed in 2008, is a community educational campaign and effort aimed at eradicating the further progression and stigmas associated with HIV infection. This effort can be achieved by resurrecting the level of HIV Awareness back to the forefront of every media channel available and the general public at large for the greater good. For more than a decade we have downplayed this epidemic and have missed the mark on a generation that are “At Risk” of being plagued today.

Ozzy’s concern is that there is not enough emphasis placed on STD’s in general; let alone HIV. Making HIV testing a rotutine part of health care for adolescents and adults aged 13-64 years is one of the most important strategies recommended by the CDC for reducing HIV.

For those testing postive for the HIV virus, getting them immediate access to quality care is of highest priority and is also noted as an integral part of prevention. It is also a vital opportunity that presents itself to TEACH and EDUCATE. Make no agrument about it! HIV is still a prevalent foe that imposes a serious threat to our society. We MUST continue pushing forward with our efforts in breaking down the barriers of ignorance and replacing them with the empowernment of KNOWLEDGE.

Part of Ozzy’s Journey is that he REJECTS the term AIDS and now classifies it as “Advance HIV Infection”. He believes that the word “AIDS” is heavy loaded and the core in which stigmas have evolved from. Ozzy further positions himself by stating that AIDS is NOT an illness nor a disease in which people with HIV infection develop. It is merely a classification or diagnosis relating to the overall T-Cell count dropping below the 200 count level of an infected person or if an infected develops one of the known listed Opportunistic Infections (OI’s) that people with HIV develop as a result of their infection. Consequently, there is no known or listed OI’s called AIDS relating to HIV infection. As a result, people DO NOT die from AIDS, rather they die from OI’s that are viral, fungal, and/or cancerous. Don’t believe this? GET the FACTS!

Although Ozzy understands that his position may bring about some controversy or confusion to some, he is also adamant in beleiving that removing the term AIDS and replacing it with Advance HIV Infection will bring about CHANGE, reduce STIGMA, and a newfound educational UNDERSTANDING that is factual about HIV. 

Throughout Ozzy’s Journey he hears about Eradicating Stigmas away from HIV. Well, here’s your opportunity. Start by rejecting the word AIDS and replacing it with Advance HIV Infection. Join Ozzy’s Journey NOW!

ACT UP – Fight Back! Forever (Silence = Death, Ignorance = Fear, Action = Change)

The are times in life that you don’t get to pick the issues you want to take on,  sometimes they just simply pick you.

Local Government Campaign #7022