The City of West Hollywood is recognizing World AIDS Day 2019 with special events and programming. World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 United Nations World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention and is held each year on December 1. Every year, United Nations agencies, governments, nonprofit organizations, and civil society join together to campaign around specific themes related to AIDS. The day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate people who have passed away due to HIV/AIDS. The international theme of this year’s #WorldAIDSDay is “Communities Make the Difference.”
Events and programing taking place on and around Wold AIDS Day 2019 include the following:
- AIDSWatch – The electronic memorial to those lost to HIV, will be viewable on WeHoTV and projected on the exterior wall of the West Hollywood Library beginning on the evening of Friday, November 29, 2019 through the morning of Monday, December 2, 2019.
- Reading of the names – Join members of the community for a Reading of Names in recognition of World AIDS Day 2019. The event is set to take place on Sunday December 1st, from 4pm-8-pm, at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Blvd.
- World AIDS Day Memorial Walk — On Monday, December 2, 2019, Join Alliance for Housing and Healing, Men’s Health Foundation and the City of West Hollywood for the World AIDS Day Memorial Walk. It will kick off at the corner of Crescent Heights and Santa Monica Boulevard at 5:30pm and walk to City Hall on San Vicente.
- Paul Starke Awards – The presentation and reception will take place on Monday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the City of West Hollywood’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room at West Hollywood Library, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The event will feature the Warrior Awards (given to outstanding employees or volunteers of local agencies that offer HIV/AIDS and/or substance abuse prevention and care services); and will also include two presentations: one from the Foundation for the AIDS Monument in West Hollywood; and the other will be regarding the City of West Hollywood’s HIV Zero Strategic Plan. The awards will also honor Luis Xtravaganza Camacho for the work he has done for Alliance for Housing and Healing.
The onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic had a significant impact in West Hollywood. The disease’s elevated infection rate among gay men caused a devastatingly high number of deaths in the City. The City of West Hollywood was one of the first government entities to provide social services grants to local HIV/AIDS organizations. The City of West Hollywood sponsored one of the first AIDS awareness campaigns in the country in October 1985 and the City’s response to the AIDS crisis has been recognized as a model for other cities, nationally and globally. The City actively participates in the development of programs that can bring awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and services to people living with HIV/AIDS and in January of 2015, the City announced its vision to become an ‘HIV Zero’ city. The City is currently implementing its HIV Zero Initiative Strategic Plan. Support for World AIDS Day programming is consistent with the City’s core values and consistent with ongoing City programs meant to commemorate the lives of those who were lost, such as the AIDS Memorial Walk, and the AIDS Monument currently in development.
“Our community plays a vital role in bringing life-saving HIV prevention services to the people who need them most,” said City of West Hollywood Mayor John D’Amico. “The heart driven response to the AIDS epidemic right from the very beginning remains a driving factor in shaping the mission and core values of the City of West Hollywood every day. Each year we gather to acknowledge World AIDS Day to grieve those loved ones we’ve lost, to support people living with HIV, reduce stigma, and help educate those around us. Join us and together we can continue the fight and plan to help end the epidemic in our lifetimes.”
For more information on World AIDS Day 2019, contact Corey Roskin, Social Services Specialist, at croskin@weho.org or at (323) 848-6403.
