Northern Virginia organizations to host World AIDS Day commemoration in Alexandria
Event to feature panel discussion, entertainment and recognition of progress in HIV/AIDS awareness
Multiple Northern Virginia organizations will host a World AIDS Day commemoration on Monday, December 1 at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center to honor those lost to HIV/AIDS and celebrate progress in treatment and prevention.
The event, scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 1108 Jefferson Street, will feature Mayor Alyia Gaskins reading a commemorative proclamation and a panel discussion with people living with HIV and health experts.
Local musician Tony Craddock and the Northern Virginia World AIDS Day Choir will provide entertainment. Light refreshments and raffles will be available, and gift cards will be given to the first 30 attendees.
World AIDS Day is observed globally each December 1 to remember those who have died from HIV-related illnesses and recognize advances in care for people living with or at risk of HIV infection.
Alexandria has the fifth-highest rate of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Virginia and the highest rate of HIV infection in Northern Virginia, according to the Alexandria Health Department. The city has seen a gradual rise in new HIV infections since 2014.
More than 32 million people have died of AIDS and HIV-related illnesses worldwide. As of 2023, more than 2,000 Virginians are living with HIV. According to the Alexandria Health Department, the virus disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic communities in Virginia due to systemic racism and barriers to care.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone ages 13 to 64 be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.
Free, confidential HIV testing is available through several local providers, including NOVASalud at 703-533-1858 and the Alexandria Health Department at 703-746-4996. Additional resources are available at hivtest.org.
The Alexandria Health Department, Fairfax County Health Department, local chapters of the National Council of Negro Women, local chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Northern Virginia Business and Professional Women’s Club are hosting the event.
Attendees may wear holiday attire and red ribbons, which will be provided at the event, in memory of those lost to HIV-related illnesses.
For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Health.
Additional resources
via Alexandria Health Department
To find HIV testing sites near you, visit www.hivtest.org
Free, confidential HIV testing and resources for people with HIV are available locally through a number of providers:
NOVASalud provides free HIV testing (and other STI screening). Call 703.533.1858 or visit the NOVASalud website.
Virginia Medication Assistance Program (VA MAP), through Neighborhood Health. For free HIV prevention and treatment drugs, call Neighborhood Health Services at 703.535.5568 or the statewide Medication Assistance Hotline at 1.855.362.0658.
Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. For HIV services including primary/dental care, call 703.535.5568, ext. 3015 or email rwinfo@neighborhoodhealthva.org.
To learn about treatment or testing through Alexandria Health Department or make an appointment, call 703.746.4996
For more resources in the Northern Virginia community, please visit the: NOVA Regional Commission HIV Services