World AIDS Day is quickly approaching. Dec. 1 is an annual reminder of the ongoing struggle against HIV/AIDS. More than 60,000 people live with HIV in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, according to state health department data.
After declines during the pandemic, the number of new HIV diagnoses in South Florida is ticking up, continuing a trend of increasing case counts. The LGBTQ community and people of color are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, and have been since the beginning of the epidemic. World AIDS Day is a time for advocacy, solidarity, and education. It also provides a time to reflect on ways to minimize HIV with the goal of zero new diagnoses, infections, deaths, and stigma.
The theme for World AIDS Day 2024 is “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.” Several events are being held throughout our area to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic.
One of the largest events will be in Miami on Dec. 2. Music icon and South Florida resident Ricky Martin will headline the annual World AIDS Day concert, presented by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). The event will take place at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, on Dec. 2. Complimentary tickets are available through registration at AHFevents.org.
In Wilton Manors on Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m., Broward House holds its annual World AIDS Day Candlelight Walk. Participants will meet at Hagen Park and walk down Wilton Drive. The walk culminates at the Pride Center Pavilion with words of respectful remembrance, support, and continued vigilance led by guest emcee FayWhat?!. The vigil will also feature a performance by Richard Fulks of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.
In Palm Beach County, the Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center will display the Memorial AIDS Quilt from Dec. 2–14. The quilt honors those who have died from AIDS. The Compass is located at 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth Beach.
Knowing your HIV status is one of the best ways to sustain the fight against the epidemic. Many people with the virus are unaware of their condition. Care Resource offers free HIV testing on weekdays. Visit careresource.org for testing times and locations and to see if you qualify for a free home HIV test.
Testing is also available from a bilingual staff at Latinos Salud. It has a location in Wilton Manors and three in the Miami area. Latinos Salud also has a wellness clinic to help with PrEP, regardless of your health insurance status. Learn more at latinossalud.org.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is far from over. There is still work to be done on raising awareness, testing and preventable measures, and in continuing the progress in care and treatments. Everyone’s HIV journey is different. Visit helpstopthevirus.com for resources and support.
