World AIDS Day 2022 will have a new location and new partners.
The Pitt Men’s Study, in collaboration with Shepherd Wellness Community, Central Outreach Wellness Center, Allies for Health + Wellbeing, AIDS Free Pittsburgh, Jewish Healthcare Foundation, and QBurgh will be hosting the annual World AIDS Day memorial service on Thursday, December 1 to honor those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and related illnesses. For the first time in three years, the event will be held in person and at a new location at Shepherd Wellness Community at 4800 Sciota Street starting at 7:00 pm.
The venue change is part of a larger effort to emphasize community collaboration. Dr. Charles Rinaldo will give opening remarks and Bill Buchanan, who recently retired from the Pitt Men’s Study, will speak on the passing of Dr. Anthony Silvestre this year. Also included this year will be performances by the University of Pittsburgh Men’s Glee Club. Attendees and participants are welcome to gather for a reception following the event.
According to the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, in 2020 there were nearly 3,000 people living with HIV in Allegheny County. Globally, the number of people with the virus is estimated to be 38 million and HIV/AIDS-related illnesses have claimed the lives of 35 million people since 1969.
World AIDS Day provides space for communities to take time to mourn the lives lost and reflect on the climate that allowed the virus to impact so many. These events have also proven to help fight stigma, raise awareness, and encourage increased funding to researchers working to prevent and cure HIV.
Pittsburgh is recognizing World AIDS Day the entire weekend with the following events:
December 2: Allies for Health + Wellbeing Long-Term Survivor Event – This gathering is open to anyone living with HIV, not just Allies’ clients. Contact Allies for Health + Wellbeing for further information. RSVP by November 28.
December 3: Shepherd Wellness Community and Allies for Health + Wellbeing Luncheon.
December 4: Drag Brunch and Community Chat & Chew – Hosted by AIDS Free Pittsburgh at Trace Brewing in Bloomfield at 1:00 pm. Registration required.
December 4: Free movie screening of “Parting Glances” with Pitt Men’s Study and Reel Q at the Hollywood Theatre in Dormont at 5:00 pm. “Parting Glances” released in 1986 is directed by Bill Sherwood who died of AIDS-related illness in 1990.
Please contact any of the partnering organizations for further information.