Montgomery County’s HIV/STI Services, part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will partner with the Montgomery County (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to host a “World AIDS Day Solidarity for Health Equity” Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the VisArts Gallery at 155 Gibbs Street in Rockville. The goal of the event is to raise awareness of health inequities driving the County’s persistent HIV epidemic.
The event will feature an opening address by Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, an interactive panel discussion with local HIV experts and women’s health advocates, HIV testing and community partner showcases.
Residents can attend the free event virtually from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Registration is available at tinyurl.com/MoCoWorldAIDSDay.
There also will be a World AIDS Day vigil and open house at the Dennis Avenue Health Center (DAHC) from 5 to 7 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the HIV and STI clinics, meet clinic staff and community partners, get tested for HIV, view sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and enjoy light refreshments. DAHC is located at 2000 Dennis Ave. in Silver Spring. Registration for the vigil and open house is available at TinyURL.com/MoCoReflects.
The events are part of the County’s push to end its HIV epidemic by 2030. Montgomery was named a priority jurisdiction for the Federal “Ending the HIV Epidemic” initiative. One year ago, the County released “A Plan to End HIV in Montgomery County,” which outlined strategies to reduce new HIV transmissions by 90 percent in 10 years.
To support Ending the HIV Epidemic efforts, Montgomery County residents are encouraged to:
- Get tested for HIV, even if you do not think you are at risk.
- Seek treatment for HIV if you test positive. With successful treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission of HIV to others.
- Ask healthcare providers about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, the HIV-prevention medication, to reduce risk of HIV.
- Learn the facts about HIV and talk with partners, family and friends about it.
- Fight HIV stigma by showing support and compassion for people living with HIV.
