Members of the community are invited to attend a World AIDS Day Commemoration to recognize the impact and progress surrounding HIV/AIDS in Northern Virginia.
World AIDS Day is honored globally to remember those who have been lost due to HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and to celebrate progress being made for people living with HIV/AIDS or at risk of future infection.
This year, organizations from across Northern Virginia will join together to host a World AIDS Day Commemoration on Monday, December 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center (1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA 22314).
City of Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins will read a commemorative proclamation and a panel featuring people living with HIV and health experts will discuss their experiences and vision for the future. The event will include entertainment from local musician Tony Craddock and the Northern Virginia World AIDS Day Choir.
Attendees are encouraged to attend to remember those lost, learn about local services and find ways to get involved. Gift cards will be given to the first 30 attendees, and the event hosts will provide light refreshments and raffles. Attendees may wear holiday attire and a red ribbon, provided at the event, in memory of those lost to HIV-related illnesses.
The event will be hosted by the Alexandria Health Department, Fairfax County Health Department, local chapters of the National Council of Negro Women, local chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Northern Virginia Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Over 32 million people have died of AIDS and HIV-related illnesses worldwide. As of 2023, over 2,000 Virginians are living with HIV. Anyone can get HIV and develop AIDS, but due to systemic racism and barriers to care, HIV disproportionately affects people who identify as Black and people who identify as Hispanic in Virginia.
However, around the world, progress is being made. As access to treatment has improved, people with AIDS are living longer, healthier lives.
Further, people around the world take steps every day to prevent future HIV infections by educating themselves on HIV and AIDS, practicing safe sex, and receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP. Additionally, through medical treatment, people with HIV can lower the amount of HIV in their body so much that it is untransmissible to others through sex.
The best way for an individual to help prevent AIDS and take charge of their own health is by getting tested for HIV. Affordable, confidential HIV testing is available in Northern Virginia all year. Visit our sexually transmitted infections page to learn about local, free and affordable options.
To learn more about this event, visit the City of Alexandria website.