AFAN Commemorates World AIDS Day Dec. 1
Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) will show their support in the fight against HIV and AIDS and honor those who have died on World AIDS Day on Sunday, Dec. 1.
The day’s events will kick off with the “Every Piggy Counts Piggy Herding.” Throughout the year, people have adopted ceramic piggy banks to fill up with loose change to benefit AFAN and all “parents” are invited to empty out their piggy’s bellies from 3-6 p.m. at The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) located on 401 S. Maryland Pkwy. Prize bags will be given to anyone who drops off their piggy money or adopts a new piggy.
At 4p.m., The Center will air a special 20th anniversary screening of the Academy Award-winning movie “Philadelphia” starring Tom Hanks, as part of LGBTQ+, the collaborative effort by AFAN and The Center. Popcorn will be provided and viewers are encouraged to come early to reserve their spot and BYOB – “bring your own blanket.” Following the movie, a candlelight memorial walk will take place at 6:30 p.m. starting from the Judy Bayley Theatre at UNLV to the AIDS Memorial Garden located by the Rod Lee Bigelow Health Sciences building. Candles and all necessary items will be provided. There is no cost to attend either event.
AFAN is also proud to announce that several iconic landmarks around the city will light up red in honor of World AIDS Day, including the Keep Memory Alive Event Center, City Hall, The Venetian and The Palazzo and MEET Las Vegas. AFAN encourages people to wear red clothing or ribbons during the day to show their support.
“World AIDS Day is a reminder that HIV and AIDS are still very prevalent around the world and that there is still much to be done to increase awareness and fight the pandemic,” said Antioco Carrillo, executive director for AFAN. “Even with the scientific advances that have been made in treatment and the increased attention in mainstream culture, people still don’t know the facts about how to protect themselves and those living with HIV/AIDS are dealing with stigma and discrimination.”
The first World AIDS Day was held in 1988 and was the first-ever health awareness day to be recognized globally. Today, an estimated 34 million people live with HIV worldwide and AFAN helps approximately 3,500 adults and children in Southern Nevada through direct client service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs and community outreach.
For more information, please visit afanlv.org.