Montgomery County’s HIV/STI Program, part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will host the free “Pride in the Plaza” outdoor LGBTQ+ health and wellness community resource fair from 1-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 27, at Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring. The event continues the County’s recognition of June as Pride Month and June 27 as National HIV Testing Day,
Health officials will also launch “Do it For Montgomery County,” a comprehensive, inclusive LGBTQ+ sexual health campaign created as part of the County’s Plan to End HIV.
Veterans Plaza is located at 1 Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring. Free parking is available in the Ellsworth Drive parking garage adjacent to the plaza.
Pride in the Plaza will showcase a diverse cross-section of local nonprofit organizations and artists sharing information about their services for the County’s LGBTQ+ communities. Music, dancing and other interactive activities will take place and free, on-site HIV testing and prevention education will be available throughout the event.
LGBTQ+ communities in the County, particularly the Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities, experience disproportionate impact from HIV. In response to community feedback, the County’s Plan to End HIV calls for the expansion of LGBTQ+ health resources and improved HIV and sex education access for LGBTQ+ youth.
Significant increases in HIV testing, treatment and prevention are planned for a 90 percent reduction in new cases by 2030. The Do it For Montgomery County sexual health campaign features a new website; new social media platforms; bus, Metro and digital ads; and includes multicultural, inclusive LGBTQ+ messaging on HIV testing, treatment and prevention.
The County’s HIV/STI program provides free HIV testing, free and low-cost HIV treatment, pre-exposure medication PrEP and STI testing and treatment at the Dennis Avenue Health Center. Call 240-777-1760 to make an appointment or visit DoItForYouMC.org for more information.
