Jackie Clements stood before about 70 people on Nov. 26 at N.C. Central University to speak about the importance of World AIDS Day in the Durham community, especially for young people.

Clements, an HIV testing counselor in Durham, lost her husband and daughter to AIDS six years ago. She is also infected with the virus.

As tears swelled in her eyes and her voice trembled, Clements gave NCCU administrators, students and members of the Durham community a few words of advice in the Alfonso Elder Student Union.

“You cannot tell if a person is infected just because of the way they look or dress,” she said. “When I met my husband, I did not know he had AIDS and neither did he.”

World AIDS Day was Dec. 1, but Clements said everyday is a time to remember those people who have died, support people who are living with the disease, and encourage people who are uninfected to protect themselves.

“We are not here because we came out for someone else,” Clements said. “We have to think of ourselves because this disease can happen to anyone.”

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, breaks down the body’s immune system. It is found in the blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.

About 40,000 Americans become infected every year, and more than 300,000 Americans are infected but don’t know it, according to the Alliance of AIDS Services Carolina, a group that serves more than 700 clients in Durham, Orange and Wake Counties.

AIDS is the leading cause of death among African-Americans 25 to 44 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Carlotta Lee, health educator associate at the Durham County Health Department, said there have been 86 cases of HIV and 33 cases of AIDS reported in Durham since Sept. 1.

As a testing counselor, Clements has to tell people everyday that they are infected with HIV.

“This is not an easy job,” she said. “AIDS does not discriminate, and many people believe that it can not happen to them.”

Clements warned students that in most cases the virus is contracted through having unprotected sex.

A person can become infected with HIV by sharing needles, having unprotected sex or being born to a mother who has the virus.

People cannot be infected with the virus from shaking hands, sneezing, using toilet seats or sharing food with a person who is infected.

NCCU Chancellor James Ammons encouraged the community to support AIDS awareness.

“Action and compassion will win this battle,” he said. “We must encourage those who are suffering with HIV or AIDS.”

Nan Tyree, a social worker from Roxboro, who came to attend the program, said everyone should be educated about the virus.

“People take this disease for granted,” she said. “And many people think it’s a male disease, but females should also be aware.”

“AIDS and HIV are real, and they are preventable diseases,” said junior Jessica Clark, NCCU peer educator and health education major. “I especially believe it is important for the African-American community to be aware.”