A special World AIDS Day event is planned for Monday, December 1, to raise awareness, honor those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, and show solidarity with people living with HIV.
The event will kick off at 4:30 pm with an open house at the Snohomish County Health Department, followed by a walk at 5:30 pm to the county’s recently restored AIDS Memorial on the main county campus. The event is co-sponsored by Everett Pride, Lifelong, AIDS Project Snohomish County and the county’s Executive Office and Health Department. The general public is invited.
“This World AIDS Day, I hope residents of Snohomish County will join us in remembering the many loved ones whose lives have been touched by HIV and AIDS,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “December 1 marks 20 years since the Snohomish County AIDS Memorial was first dedicated, and the beautiful artwork on the memorial was recently restored. Two decades after it was unveiled, this shared space is as important as ever, and the work being done on education, prevention and treatment for HIV and AIDS remains vital.”
World AIDS Day began in 1988 and is a global day of remembrance and action. It serves to educate communities about HIV/AIDS, reduce stigma and highlight progress in prevention and treatment. This year’s theme – Rethink, Rebuild, Rise – stresses the importance of unity and continued commitment to ending the HIV epidemic, especially at a time of significant change in the HIV funding landscape.
“This event is not only about remembering those we’ve lost, but also about reaffirming our commitment to supporting those living with HIV and ensuring equitable access to prevention and care,” Snohomish County Health Officer Dr. James Lewis said. “The restored AIDS Memorial stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope for our community.”
Earlier this month, the Snohomish County Board of Health adopted a proclamation recognizing Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day. More than 40 million people worldwide have died from AIDS-related causes, while an estimated 39 million people currently live with HIV.
The first two cases of HIV in Snohomish County were reported on April 14, 1984, and May 20, 1985. The former Snohomish Health District – now the Snohomish County Health Department – began offering free testing to anyone who requested it.
Today, medical and public health advances have transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition. The Health Department, local healthcare providers, and community organizations continue to play a vital role in providing testing, treatment, support services and education to residents of all backgrounds.
“We’re really excited to be recognizing World AIDS Day with our community partners again this year,” said Carrie Parker, assistant director of prevention services for the Health Department. “By walking to and gathering at the memorial, the community honors the past while looking toward a future free of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.”
Event Details
World AIDS Day begins at 4:30 pm at the Snohomish County Health Department, 3020 Rucker Ave, Everett, with refreshments, displays and activities. Health Officer Dr. James Lewis and Health Department Director Kim Van Pelt are slated to speak at about 5:15 pm. At 5:30 p.m., participants will depart from the Health Department toward the AIDS Memorial. The walk is uphill and takes about 10 minutes. The memorial is just behind the Snohomish County Courthouse in the plaza west of the Mission Building at Pacific and Wetmore avenues. Once there, Executive Somers and community partners will give brief remarks.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
