AIDS Advocates gathered in at the Springdale Community Clinic for a balloon release marking World AIDS Day.
Officials say its estimated that 70% of Arkansans diagnosed with HIV AIDS are not getting treatment, meaning the virus progresses into full-blown AIDS faster. That statistic is higher than the national average.
Advocates say there is a lack of prevention and education programs in the state. One advocate, Thomas Markham, has been living with the virus for 27 years.
"So we have a higher percentage of people progressing to full blown AIDS within 12 months and a higher percentage than the national average of people dying," Markham said. "Most people die within 12 months, too."
There is still no vaccine for HIV or AIDS, but researchers say they're closer than ever.
Officials say its estimated that 70% of Arkansans diagnosed with HIV AIDS are not getting treatment, meaning the virus progresses into full-blown AIDS faster. That statistic is higher than the national average.
Advocates say there is a lack of prevention and education programs in the state. One advocate, Thomas Markham, has been living with the virus for 27 years.
"So we have a higher percentage of people progressing to full blown AIDS within 12 months and a higher percentage than the national average of people dying," Markham said. "Most people die within 12 months, too."
There is still no vaccine for HIV or AIDS, but researchers say they're closer than ever.
