Lake County Plans Community Event for World AIDS Day on Dec. 6

World AIDS Day will be commemorated in Lake County on December 6, 2023, with a community-focused event at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. Running from 16:00 to 20:00, the gathering aims to both celebrate the progress made in combating HIV/AIDS and honor those who have lost their lives to the disease.

The Lake County Health Department organizes the event, which will feature a range of activities, including a candlelighting ceremony and a drag performance by local artist Lola Madison. Notably, the event will welcome Professor Alex Ortiz from Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla as a special guest, further enriching the program. Admission is free, and all community members are encouraged to attend.

Executive Director Chris Hoff emphasized the department’s commitment to addressing the HIV epidemic. In a recent news release, Hoff stated, “The Lake County community can count on us to provide the care and services people need to stay healthy.” This year’s theme, “Without Borders, Without Stigma: Giving Flowers in Life,” highlights the importance of dignity and respect in healthcare, particularly concerning HIV treatment.

Valerie Johansen, the STI program coordinator at the Lake County Health Department, shared a noteworthy statistic: “In 2024, 93 percent of our clients with HIV were able to suppress the virus.” Despite this progress, Johansen acknowledged that significant challenges remain in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.

This event is made possible through the support of various organizations, including Waukegan Friends, Gilead Sciences, ViiV Healthcare, and the United Way of Lake County. Other sponsors include Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy, Awaken Culture, and local chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Chi Eta Phi Sorority.

The Health Department invites everyone to participate in this essential event, aiming to foster support and unity against HIV stigma and discrimination. For more information or to RSVP, interested individuals can contact the department at 847-377-8450.