The 25th annual and landmark observance of World AIDS Day will occur on Dec. 1, 2013 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to demonstrate solidarity in the face of the ongoing pandemic that continues to afflict millions around the world.
An estimated 7,516 people are reported to be living with HIV/AIDS in Minnesota, and an average of 300 new infections are diagnosed each year - highlighting the fact that HIV/AIDS remains a major public health issue in our state.
To commemorate World AIDS Day in Minnesota, several awareness activities and events are taking place:
If you are holding or participating in an event on or around December 1st, you can post it online on the MDH’s World AIDS Day calendar of events by completing this form: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/hiv/worldaidsday/eventfrm.cfm. Here is a sampling of submitted events:
- Sunday, Dec. 1, Family Tree Clinic, 1619 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104: Deaf AIDS Day (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.): Presentations, AIDS Quilt display, awareness booth and refreshments will be part of this commemoration for those living or have died of HIV/AIDS. Free and public welcome!
- Sunday, Dec. 1, Capri Theatre, 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411: Getting to Zero/Sarah Simmons Showcase (5:00 – 7:00 p.m.). In memory of local AIDS advocate Sarah Simmons, on-stage performances will be held to highlight the impact that HIV/AIDS has had on the local African and African American communities. Free and public welcome!
- Monday, Dec. 2, La Clinica, 153 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul (8:30 a.m. – 12 Noon) and East Side Family Clinic, 895 E. 7th St. St. Paul: World AIDS Day HIV Testing Event (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.): The “No Tengas Miedo” program will provide free HIV testing for the Latino MSM community. Walk-ins welcome.
- Monday, Dec. 2 – Thursday, Dec. 12, MN Street Market Community Center, 27 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph, MN 56374: Names Project AIDS Quilt Show (10 a.m. – 8 p.m., M – F, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat. and Sun.): Quilt display and exhibits daily and events every day at 7 p.m. unless noted.
- Monday, Dec. 2, American Indian Community Housing Organization, 202 W. 2nd St., Duluth, MN 55802: World AIDS Day Event (3:00 – 6:00 p.m.): Free HIV presentations, HIV testing and food.
- Thursday, December 5, First Congregational Church, 221 7th Ave. W., Alexandria, MN 56308: Candlelight Memorial Service (5:30 – 8:00 p.m.): Refreshments and fellowship at 5:30 p.m. followed by service at 6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, December 5, Open Cities Health Center, 409 N. Dunlap St., St. Paul, MN 55104: National World AIDS Day Event (6:00 – 8:00 p.m.): Presentation on “HIV and Resistance” from a renowned national expert. Free and agencies and their clients are encouraged to attend!
- Friday, December 6, Elmer L. Anderson Bldg., 540 Cedar St., Room 2380, St. Paul, MN 55155: “And the Band Played On” Film Showing (12 Noon): A free film docudrama about the first cities affected by HIV/AIDS as seen by the eyes of a CDC researcher.
- Saturday, Dec. 7, North View Junior High School, 5869 69th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55429: African World AIDS Day 10th Anniversary Event (3:00 to 7:00 p.m.): The African World AIDS Day (AWAD) Planning Committee is hosting its tenth anniversary event in observance of AWAD. African youth performers, community leaders, agency exhibits, free HIV testing and a free lunch will be included during the event. Dinner will be served. Free and public welcome!
- Sunday, December 8, Honey, 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55414: World AIDS Day Ball (10:00 p.m.): Showcase Ball of local and out-of-town talent to raise HIV/AIDS awareness among LGBTQ communities of color ($15 at door).
- Friday, December 13, Elmer L. Anderson Bldg., 540 Cedar St., Room 2380, St. Paul, MN 55155: “How to Survive a Plague” Film Showing (12 Noon): A free film documentary showing of the AIDS epidemic’s early years and the efforts of ACT UP and TAG