LA County Observes 24th Annual World AIDS Day
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Events, free HIV testing, panel discussions and seminars will mark the 24th annual World AIDS Day in LA County.
The theme of this year's observance is "Working Together for an AIDS-Free Generation."
Free HIV testing is offered from noon-6 p.m. at L.A. Live, 3-5 p.m. at the AIDS Monument in Lincoln Park in Lincoln Heights and 7-11 p.m. at the Sweet Dreams Dessert Lounge in Whittier.
A community forum organized by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services called "Getting to Zero" will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Miller Family Health Education Center.
"World AIDS Day is an excellent opportunity to evaluate where we are at with the HIV/AIDS epidemic locally and to see how we can continue to work together to reverse the continuing trend of new infections throughout the region and around the world," Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster said.
The 19th annual Noches de Las Memorias will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the AIDS Monument in Lincoln Park in Lincoln Heights. The event honors Albergue Las Memorias, a Tijuana AIDS hospice. Donations will be collected on behalf of the hospice. Suggested donations include non-perishable food, medical supplies and toiletries.
The Hollywood Lutheran Church is offering a free concert at 6 p.m. The show features Tommy Dodson, Larry Davis, Steve Beckham and the Hollywood Master Chorale. A reception will follow which will include free HIV testing and opportunities to add names to an AIDS quilt panel.
In his World AIDS Day proclamation, President Barack Obama declared, "Creating an AIDS-free generation is a shared responsibility. It requires commitment from partner countries, coupled with support from donors, civil society, people living with HIV, faith-based organizations, the private sector, foundations and multilateral institutions.
"We stand at a tipping point in the fight against HIV/AIDS and working together we can realize our historic opportunity to bring that fight to an end."
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