World AIDS Day is December 1 and is marked with observances around the world including San Antonio.
Globally there are an estimated 34 million people who have the virus. Since 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS.
According to Texas Department of State Health Services there were 5,477 people living with HIV in Bexar County in 2014.
Activists say World AIDS Day reminds us HIV has not gone away. There is still a need to raise money, increase awareness, fight the stigma and improve prevention efforts.
Following is a list of World AIDS Day events in San Antonio
Tuesday, December 1
World AIDS Day Gathering of Remembrance and Hope
An informative and entertaining evening that celebrates life, remembers those we’ve lost to HIV, and connects everyone who has been impacted by HIV/AIDS. Presented by the San Antonio World AIDS Day Collaborative.
Free HIV and STD testing from 4 to 6 p.m. Social gathering from 6 to 7 p.m. Service from 7 to 8 p.m. At the Fiesta Room, Coates Center, Trinity University.
Tuesday, December 1
Giving Tuesday
Please consider giving to HIV/AIDS organizations in San Antonio on this day.
Tuesday, December 1
World AIDS Day Art & Music Festival
In honor of World AIDS Day, the Center for Health Care Services is sponsoring an art and music festival as an “uplifting day of remembrance” for those lost in the fight against HIV/AIDS and those affected by HIV/AIDS. There will be live performances as well as an art show and live demos.
7 to 11 p.m. at Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex, 108 Blue Star. More information at this link.
Thursday, December 3
Red Balloon Release
The San Antonio AIDS Foundation invites the public to join in a celebration of life and remembrance of those lost to HIV or AIDS. The gathering will take place at the SAAF main office and will include a few short words of remembrance and an opportunity to share names of loved ones. Balloons will be provided. All are welcome.
11:30 a.m. at the San Antonio AIDS Foundation main office, 818 E. Grayson St.
Thursday, December 3
Suffering and Progress: A History of the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.
Gregory Anstead, M.D., Ph.D. will present Suffering and Progress: A History of the HIV Epidemic in the United States. The lecture is being held in conjunction with the National Library of Medicine’s traveling exhibit, Surviving and Thriving: AIDS, Politics, and Culture which is on display on the third floor of the Briscoe Library through December 5.
12 noon at Howe Conference Room, Briscoe Library 5th floor, UT Health Science Center
Saturday, December 5
Amaya’s Feast in the East: A New Conversation
Amaya’s Cocina is presenting a fundraiser for the San Antonio AIDS Foundation. The menu will feature a carne asada taco with a winter salad, BBQ chicken and churro waffle with platano crema, barbacoa benedict with winter hollandaise, and Cajun shrimp and grits with a fried egg and chorizo dust. Each menu item is $10. Diners can also enjoy bottomless mimosas with a donation.
From 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. at Amaya’s Cocina, 1502 E. Commerce St.
