BRATTLEBORO — The AIDS Project will commemorate World AIDS Day on Monday, Dec. 2, from noon to 1 p.m., at the River Garden on Main Street.
The event will open with a 10-minute candlelight vigil on the sidewalk, followed by a short program of local and international speakers, music by talented musician Amanda Bernhard, and the donation of a quilt for a person living with HIV/AIDS handmade by local residents. Light snacks will be available.
The entire community is invited to honor those affected by HIV/AIDS and those who work to combat AIDS worldwide.
Despite ongoing challenges across the world, there is good news to share on this World AIDS Day: the area where perhaps most progress is being made is in reducing new HIV infections in children. Half of the global reductions in new HIV infections in the last few years have been among newborn children.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART), which not only improves the health and well-being of people living with HIV but also stops further HIV transmission, is available now for 6.65 million people in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for 47 percent of the 14.2 million people eligible to receive it. In addition, countries are increasing investments in the AIDS response despite a difficult economic climate.
Speakers will include Phillip Wilson, Board Chair of the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont (APSV) reporting on his recent trip to Kenya; APSV Case Manager Marguerite Monet and Board Member Ricky Davidson will give updates on activities in our own community; and an HIV-positive individual will give insight into his experience living with the virus.
The AIDS Project of Southern Vermont provides direct services to community members living with HIV/AIDS in Windham and Bennington counties include medical case management, transportation and a comprehensive food program in partnership with the Vermont Foodbank, members of area faith communities, Amy's Bakery Arts Cafe, and customers of the Brattleboro Food Co-op.
The AIDS Project also offers HIV prevention efforts in Windham County for those at highest risk, as well as free, anonymous HIV testing by appointment. The test is oral and provides results in 20 minutes.
For more information, call 802-254-4444.