PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL-The World Health Organization and the United Nations first declared December 1st as World AIDS Day over 25 years ago. During that time much has been done to create awareness, save lives and slow the spread of the disease. For the world to get to zero infections much still needs to be done.

"While advances in the treatment of HIV and AIDS continue, there are new infections every day," said Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County Director, Alina Alonso, M.D. It’s important to remember, people are still being diagnosed with the disease in our county and throughout South Florida. Someday, by working together that number will become zero."

In Palm Beach County there are over 8,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. However, the consensus among HIV/AIDS educators and medical providers is that number is likely 20% greater. Dr. Alonso added, "We are encouraging everyone to get tested. A person who knows their status can get life prolonging care and by knowing, can help stop the spread of this acquired disease."

Free testing events, memorials to those who have died, and candlelight vigils will take place at several locations throughout the county in honor of World AIDS Day.

Florida Health Palm Beach County Health Centers located in Delray Beach, Lantana, West Palm Beach and Belle Glade offer testing and counseling throughout the year. Other organizations like COMPASS, FoundCare, Community Health Centers, CAP, Genesis Health Center and numerous other clinics, and medical practitioners will all be participating. Further information can be obtained at

www.flhealthpalmbeach.com or

www.floridahealth.gov

.

World AIDS Week Palm Beach County: Schedule of Events

Tuesday December 1st through December 11th

Event: The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt display of 22 panels

Sponsoring Agency: Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth 33460

Feature: Guided Tours available upon request for Individual or Group from 12/7 – 12/10. Contact Ernie to schedule guided tour, ernie@compassglcc.com.

Contact: Call for more info and open Quilt display times, (561) 533-9699

Tuesday December 1st

Event:World AIDS Day Commemoration

Sponsoring Agency:FoundCare

Event Location:FoundCare, 2330 S Congress Ave, Palm Springs 33406

Feature: History of HIV Exhibit, Panel Discussion with Key Players in HIV/AIDS, Lunch, Fashion show and..

Time: 9 am – 5 pm

Contact: (561) 472-2466 x255, or www.foundcare.org

Tuesday December 1st

Event: Day With(out) Art: A National Day of Action and Mourning in response to the AIDS Crisis

Sponsoring Agency: Compass

Event Location: Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth 33460

Feature: Candlelight vigil and Calling of the Names to commemorate and honor those we have lost to the HIV/AIDS pandemic; Live performance by Voices of Pride The Gay Men’s Chorus of the Palm Beaches; and NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Panel Induction of community members that we have lost

Time: 6:30 pm – 8 pm

Contact: (561) 533-9699, or www.compassglcc.com

Wednesday December 2nd

Event: Unveil: The Stigma, The Truth, The Art

Sponsoring Agency: Compass

Event Location: Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth 33460

Feature: Reception for a curated group exhibition by Rolando Chang Barrero showcasing artwork that displays emotionally charged, personal perspectives from moments in the public history of HIV/AIDS; Live Performance by Palm Beach Opera; and Unveiling of group exhibition and Opening Ceremony for The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt

Time: 7 pm – 9 pm

Contact: (561) 533-9699, or www.compassglcc.com

Friday December 4th

Event: Between The Sheets Discussion

Sponsoring Agency: Compass

Event Location: Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth 33460

Feature: A time for 18 – 29 year old gay and bisexual men to meet and discuss sex and empower each other to make the right decisions about safer sex and relationships

Time: 5 pm – 7 pm

Contact: (561) 533-9699, or www.compassglcc.com

Saturday December 5th

Event: World AIDS Day Commemoration

Sponsoring Agency: Genesis Community Health

Event Location: The Carolyn Sims Center at Wilson Park, 225 NW 12th Ave, Boynton Beach 33435

Feature: FREE Community Lunch provided by Tijuana Flats, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick-Fil-A and other community partners. Raffle for gift cards and prizes!

Time: 1 pm – 3 pm

Contact: (561) 806-6835

Friday December 11th

Event: Start Talking, Stop HIV: PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Community Forum

Sponsoring Agency: Compass

Event Location: Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy., Lake Worth 33460

Feature: Dr. Bonaparte from FoundCare, Inc. will lead a discussion about the pros and cons, myths, and benefits of PrEP

Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Contact: (561) 533-9699, or www.compassglcc.com