RENT: Furnishing some key facts

HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. It impacts women, children and men, rich or poor, college grads or high school dropouts.

In response to a letter from Arcadia Nicklay, wife of Charter Academy Principal Daniel Nicklay, thank you for bringing attention to the upcoming Lake City Playhouse production of the award winning musical "RENT." The Playhouse and actors are generously donating the opening night production as a benefit for INBA Outreach in Spokane and North Idaho AIDS Coalition (NIAC).

I became a Board Member of NIAC, because for many years, I have been passionate about issues that impact women and children, especially those with few resources. "RENT" is a play about talented men and women struggling to survive. I am grateful this production has come to North Idaho and for the generosity of the Playhouse and cast. EDUCATION has no limits or restrictions. People need to be educated about HIV/AIDS. We've come a long way but here in North Idaho, we have a long way to go. About one third of the NIAC caseload is heterosexual women and children. A column Sholeh Patrick wrote recently mentioned shocking scenarios of married men who hook up via the Internet and have unprotected sex with gay prostitutes - right here in our "good city." I'm not passing judgment here, just stating some facts most people find incredulous. Straight people become infected because they trust their partners.

Recently a well-educated woman over 50 suggested to me, "It must be hard to raise money for AIDS when it doesn't exist here." Shocking when a North Idaho man and a woman in their 30s died last year because they lived a risky lifestyle and had never been tested. Testing is FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and takes about 15 minutes. We encourage anyone who might have had unprotected sex to get tested. People with HIV/AIDS can live long productive lives with current drug protocols. Undiagnosed, untreated HIV infected people are likely to die young and infect people they love. Don't risk infecting those you love. Get tested. Call NIAC, GET TESTED! 665-1448.

HIV/AIDS most definitely does exist in North Idaho largely because there is resistance to raising awareness. It exists because people have unprotected sex or share needles. It exists because people do not discuss such issues in their households and with their teenage children.

This production of "RENT" is raising awareness, educating and providing funding for further education.

NIAC is especially grateful for the generosity of Lake City Playhouse and the cast. I have purchased two tickets for the benefit production Jan. 12, 2012, which I will not be able to use. The first two people who call the NIAC office 665-1448 and mention this letter, can have my tickets. Tickets can be purchased through NIAC 665-1448.

SHIRLEY THAGARD

Hayden