World AIDS Day in Georgia

World AIDS Day

Georgia events to recognize World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, include everything from free HIV testing at malls to a screening of a newly released documentary about HIV in the South to a town hall meeting to discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS.

Many events are scheduled in metro Atlanta, as well as Augusta, Macon and Valdosta, among other cities.

In Atlanta, HIV agencies like AID Atlanta, Positive Impact and the Ric Crawford Clinic will offer free HIV testing; Fulton and DeKalb County health departments are also teaming up to provide free HIV testing at places such as Greenbriar Mall and South DeKalb Mall.

In addition to HIV testing, a townhall meeting is set for Nov. 30 at Atlanta’s Auburn Avenue Research Library. Atlanta City Hall will be lit up with red lights Dec. 1 to commemorate World AIDS Day; the same day, Atlanta’s Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will host a vigil at 7 p.m. at Smith Park, located at the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive.

At Morehouse University, a Nov. 28 fashion show with outfits made from condoms will highlight an evening of working to eliminate the stigma of HIV/AIDS as well as promoting condoms to practice safe sex. Emory University’s Hillel group will once again sponsor the world’s largest campus display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, set for Nov. 30.

There are events planned also in Augusta, Savannah, Macon and Valdosta with Valdosta holding events over several days, including a screening of the newly released documentary “deepsouth” that explores, among other issues, HIV in the rural South.

John Rogers, a public health educator for the South Health District Infectious Disease Program, said the documentary is a powerful tool to raise awareness and dispel stigma surrounding HIV in rural areas.

“As someone who has worked with HIV-positive people for the past 20 years, this movie really captures the sum of the experiences that our clients have related to me over time,” Rogers said. “We feel this would help raise awareness of HIV and the stigma that still is attached to this disease even 30 years after it’s discovery.”

METRO ATLANTA

Free HIV testing
Dec. 1, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Greenbriar Mall, 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy.
Atlanta, GA 30331

Free HIV testing
Dec. 1, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30034

City of Atlanta World AIDS Day observance
Dec. 1

City Hall will be lighted red as in years past. The annual program in City Hall will take place but final details were not known at press time.

Free HIV testing and counseling
Dec. 1, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Positive Impact
60 Eleventh St., Atlanta, GA 30309
www.positiveimpact-atl.org

Joining Hearts Host Drive
Dec. 1, 2 p.m. — 5 p.m.
Einstein’s
1077 Juniper Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309
www.joininghearts.org

In support of World AIDS Day, Joining Hearts invites supporters to Einstein’s to learn more about future plans. Einstein’s will donate 20 percent of bar sales between 2 p.m. — 5 p.m. to Joining Hearts.

World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil
Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
Smith Park, corner of Piedmont and Monroe
http://on.fb.me/SJFaij
www.atlsisters.org

Hosted by Atlanta chapter of Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Following the vigil, the Sisters will conduct a “condom ministry” in local bars

AUGUSTA

World AIDS Day Opening Ceremony
Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m.
Paine College Chapel
1235 15th St.
Augusta, GA 30901
www.paine.edu

HIV/AIDS Walk
Dec. 1, 10 a.m.
Paine College Chapel

Red Ribbon Ball
Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
River Room of St. Paul’s Church
605 Reynolds St., Augusta, GA 30901
www.saintpauls.org

Tickets $35; Proceeds to benefit St. Stephen’s Ministry, providing support services to persons with HIV/AIDS.

Worship Service of Remembrance
Dec. 2, 4 p.m.
MCC of Our Redeemer
557 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. 30901
www.mccoor.com

The service will include music, liturgical dance, storytelling and opportunities for commitment and action.

MACON

Free HIV testing
Dec. 1
Central City AIDS Network, Inc.
2020 Ingleside Ave.
Macon, GA 31204
www.rainbowcenter.us

SAVANNAH

World AIDS Day vigil
Dec. 1, 6 p.m.
Johnson Square
www.savpride.com
www.mybrothazhome.org

Hosted by Savannah Pride and My Brothaz H.O.M.E.

VALDOSTA

‘deepsouth’ documentary screening
Nov. 30, 4:30 p.m.
Valdosta State University Union Theatre
www.deepsouthfilm.com
www.valdosta.edu

Sponsored by South Health District and VSU Health Promotions. Discussion with director Lisa Biagiotto and reception to follow.

 

Top photo: Emory University will have the largest collegiate display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt on Dec. 1 to honor World AIDS Day. (by Dyana Bagby)