World AIDS Day, Dec 1

World AIDS Day is held on the 1^st of December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.  The focus this year is: “Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths”. 

                                                                                                                                        

The only way that we can fight HIV/AIDS is by everyone knowing their status.  

How to get involved:

·         Grab a friend and go get tested CDC

·         There are many events in the Chicagoland area supporting AIDS WORLD DAY.  Check out POZ for some events in the area. 

·         Post on social media and encourage people to get tested

·         Honor the life of someone who has passed due to an AIDS related issues

·         Donate money, or time to an HIV testing facility

·         Encourage your church or other organizations to get involved

HIV/AIDS effects everyone, all ages, races, sexes, sexual orientations, beliefs, and social status.  Encouraging open communication about HIV/AIDS/STI’s with your children and other youth is the only way to end discrimination, and increase understanding of this epidemic.  Get involved, get your children involved, get your friends involved.  Be the voice that says it is OKAY to talk about HIV/AIDS!!!!!

by Melissa Fort