Dec. 1: World AIDS Day 2009

Next Tuesday, December 1, will mark the 21st Anniversary of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day is important because it reminds people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.

December 1 is a day to increase awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education about HIV/AIDS. Events will be occurring around the nation. Locally there will be events on December 1 and on the days following World AIDS Day. For a listing of some of the events in Houston, visit World AIDS Day Houston.

There are two things happening that day that I would like to bring to your attention. The first is the Candelight Vigil that will occur in downtown Houston at Tranquility Park. This will begin at 5:30p.m. The agenda for the event can be found on the World AIDS Day Houston website under the events tab.

The second event is the free HIV testing that will occur at Legacy Community Health Services. Tests will take place at the location on Westheimer and the location on Lyons. If you haven't been tested in awhile, Tuesday would be a great day to do so. You owe it to yourself.

Lastly, I encourage you to wear a red ribbon on December 1. The ribbon is a symbol of our solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS and is also reminder of those who passed away.

If you want to know why World AIDS Day means so much me, read this post from 2007. I think it explains it all.