PHILADELPHIA- On Thursday, December 1, as you pass by Boat House Row, cross the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, take a flight from Philadelphia International Airport, or look up at Philly’s iconic skyline you might notice the red lights. No, it’s not an early Christmas celebration and the Phillies aren’t in the playoffs again just yet, but instead Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s partners are lighting up our evening sky to acknowledge World AIDS Day, a day on which people all over the world honor the precious lives lost, the resilience of people living with HIV, and all of those working to prevent and treat HIV.
World AIDS Day Events
Free events will be taking place throughout the city in the coming days, including:
Wednesday, November 30, 5pm to 8pm:
The Mazzoni Center, Bebashi-Transition to Hope, and The Posse Project in collaboration with Icon Founding Mother Tatyana Ferrgamo and Icon Overall Grandfather Markise Mayback will host a World AIDS Day Kiki Lounge at 2720 South Street.
Thursday, December 1at noon: PDPH AIDS Activities Coordinating Office is hosting its inaugural flag raising event and program at the Municipal Services Building at 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd, near City Hall and across from Love Park. Information about media access is below.
Thursday, December 1, 2pm-5pm:
Courage Medicine is providing confidential HIV testing on their Mobile Testing Vehicle at the Eastwick Library at 2851 Island Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia.
Thursday, December 1:
Bebashi Transition to Hope will “blitz” the city by offering confidential HIV testing in multiple areas throughout the city. Keep a look out for more details on their website and on their two Instagram accounts, @Bebashi_plus and @philly.bebashi.
Monday, December 5:
Covenant House Incorporated New P.A.T.H.H.S Program health center will be having an all-day event in honor of World AIDS Day with the theme “Putting Ourselves to the Test.”
”Every year, World AIDS Day presents us with the opportunity to reconnect, recommit, and meet the call to improve the prevention and care services for Philadelphians living with and placed at increased risk for HIV,” said AACO Director Dr. Kathleen Brady. “We want all Philadelphians know that they have a role to play in ending the HIV epidemic. The best way is to know your HIV status by getting an HIV test, then getting the relevant HIV care or prevention resources.”
Flag Raising Media Information
Who:
Cheryl Bettigole, MD, she/her, Commissioner, Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Kathleen Brady, MD, she/her, Director, AIDS Activities Coordinating Office, Philadelphia
Department of Public Health
Ahmea Pacheco-Branch, she/her, Community Engagement Coordinator, AIDS Activities
Coordinating Office, Philadelphia Department of Public Health
When:
Thursday, December 1, 2022
12:00 p.m.
Information tables will be staffed starting at 12:00 p.m. while the spoken remarks will begin at 12:25 p.m.
Where:
Thomas Paine Plaza
Municipal Services Building
1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Resources for HIV Testing, Prevention, and Treatment
- HIV testing is available at primary care providers, in treatment centers, or via a home testing kit. All resources can be found on the Health Department’s website.
- If a person has a positive (or reactive) HIV test, HIV care resources are available regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Resources can be found at the Health Information Helpline at (215) 985-2437. Staff is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- If the test is negative, HIV prevention resources are available and accessible. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the form of a daily pill or a less frequent injection are easier to access than ever by using Philadelphia’s newly launche TelePrEP Program at phillykeeponloving.com.
- If a person thinks they have been exposed to HIV in the prior 72 hours (3 days), they can also get post-exposure prophylaxis by calling the PEP Hotline at (833) 933-2815.
- Allof these and more HIV prevention and care resources can be found by visiting the Health Department’s website.
