An Internet-based "living quilt" is scheduled to be launched on Wednesday in New Orleans to increase awareness of the effect of HIV/AIDS on women in the South, particularly minorities, the AP/New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. The Southern AIDS Living Quilt initiative will feature videos about women affected by the disease and highlight the disproportionate effect of HIV/AIDS on women. The project also will provide information about testing and prevention measures (AP/New Orleans Times-Picayune, 10/17).

The Southern AIDS Coalition and Test for Life will launch the project. According to the coalition, 70% of people living with HIV/AIDS in Louisiana are minorities, and AIDS-related illnesses are the leading cause of death for black women ages 25 to 34 (Southern AIDS Coalition release, 10/16).