Tuesday is World AIDS Day which is held on the first of December each year to spread awareness of the disease.
It’s an opportunity for people all over the world to talk about prevention.
It's also a day for people to show their support for those living with HIV and to remember people who have died.
World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day dating back to 1988.
In Central Florida there are a number of events taking place Tuesday.
Free HIV Testing
In honor of World AIDS Day Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida (PPSWCF) will be providing free rapid HIV testing at three of their Central Florida health centers.
Free Rapid HIV Testing to Mark World AIDS Day:
Kissimmee Health Center
610 Oak Commons Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Downtown Orlando Health Center
726 S. Tampa Ave.
Orlando, FL 32805
East Orlando Health Center
11500 University Blvd. Suite B
Orlando, FL 32817
For more information or to make an appointment call 407-246-1788.
Night of Remembrance, Celebration and Education
In celebration of World AIDS Day, the community is invited to a Night of Remembrance, Celebration and Education on Tuesday, Dec. 1 outside of Lake Eola Amphitheater. Free HIV testing begins at 12 p.m. and the celebration is from 6 p.m. – 7:30pm.
The Night of Remembrance, Celebration and Education will be a time to remember those who we have lost to this pandemic and to educate others on the importance of getting tested. Additional HIV testing will be available at the Orlando Public Library located at 101 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 328014 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The Heart of Florida United way, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County and other community organizations are hosting the Night of Remembrance, Celebration and Education event. For more information call the Heart of Florida United Way at 407-429-2197.
For more information on HIV/AIDS, visit www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/aids or for testing sites visit www.testorlando.org
Getting to Zero
There are a number of events planned for World AIDS Day in Volusia and Flagler counties. This year’s World AIDS Day theme is “Getting to Zero.”
Candle Light Vigil & Healing Service
“In Observance of World AIDS Day”
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 at 6 p.m.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
1014 North Halifax Ave.
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Sponsored by: Our Lady of Lourdes Church
For more information: 386-255-0433
www.worldaidsweekdaytona.com
Health & Wellness Expo
“In Observance of World AIDS Week”
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 at 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
City Hall
200 South Church St.
Bunnell, FL 32110
Sponsored by: Christ The Redeemer Ministries, Inc.
For more information: 386-866-1162
STARS For A Cause
HIV/AIDS Awareness Drag Show
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 at 8 p.m.
520 South Clara Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720
Sponsored by: The Lady Charles & Joel Lawrence HIV/AIDS Organization
For more information: www.TheLadyCharles.com