Commemorating World AIDS Day on Friday, Dec. 1, Augusta officials are planning to highlight the importance of community awareness and ending HIV-related stigmas by hosting two fundraising events.
Dedicating several days to remembering those who have lost their lives to the epidemic, Mayor Garnett Johnson’s office is kicking off Augusta’s “Day of Unity” by hosting community get-togethers on Dec. 2 and 13.
“In Augusta and throughout the world, HIV/AIDs impacts millions of people. This day of commemoration presents an important opportunity to commit to reducing stigmas and increasing education and prevention,” said Johnson. “Thank you to the organizations who are committed to serving and testing 200 individuals at the community fair in honor of World AIDS Day.”
Themed “Remember and Commit,” according to a press release from the city’s Office of the Administrator, these occasions will also be a celebration of life, and serve as a reminder for everyone to keep working towards a future where HIV is no longer a public health threat.
“Education and awareness is the key to eradicating AIDS. Let us pledge to promote equality and peace. My faith gives me purpose, and science gives me hope,” said Talisha Johnson, HIV prevention supervisor of the Richmond County Board of Health project Impact Program.
Sponsored by Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), the events will include a celebrity basketball game on Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. in the Paine College HEAL Complex, and a community fair on Jan. 13 in the James Brown Arena parking lot.
“Augusta, Georgia, stands in solidarity with communities around the world today to not only raise awareness about the AIDS/HIV pandemic, but to reinforce our commitment to addressing the inequalities that fuel the global health crisis so we can overcome it,” said Interim Administrator Takiyah A. Douse.
Admission to the basketball game will be free, while the fair will feature many community resources, food, entertainment, HIV testing, health screenings, bounce houses, a 10th annual homeless clothing giveaway and more.
“I commend the efforts of our local partners for working with us to ensure life-saving education and treatment is available to all children and adults until we become an AIDS-free generation,” said Douse.
To find out more, visit: www.augustaga.gov
