AIDS Activist, Speaker Dies -- Debbie Runions Started State HIV Prevention Program, Served at Federal Level
Posted on: Friday, 21 October 2005, 09:00 CDT
By Associated Press
NASHVILLE - Debbie Runions, a prominent AIDS activist and patient who called for governmental response to the spread of the disease, died Sunday. She was 55.
Runions found out she was HIV positive in 1992 and spent the rest of her life promoting AIDS awareness and prevention. She died of AIDS-related complications at her Nashville home.
Runions started the Tennessee Department of Education HIV Prevention Program in 1994 and served on President Bill Clinton's HIV/AIDS Advisory Council. In 1996 she appeared before the Democratic National Convention to ask the delegates to lead the fight against the spread of AIDS.
"Her speeches affected thousands of young people," said Jerry Swaim, state director of school health education. "She touched people on a deep, emotional level. For many people, she put a face on AIDS."
Runions was buried Tuesday in Waverly, her hometown. A Nashville memorial service will be held Saturday at First Church Unity.
Source: Commercial Appeal, The
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