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AIDS Healthcare Foundation Presents 'Keep The Promise'

Source: Araya Diaz / Getty

@kwellscomm  PraiseIndy.com Health & Community News  — 

Top angle shot of the human hand holding a red ribbon, the AIDS symbol

Source: Visage / Getty

It’s World AIDS Day today. The AIDS epidemic began back in 1981 claiming lives here in the United States and across the globe. However these days, people are living longer lives due to adherence to HIV medications and treatment. Indianapolis has been a leader in the fight against the disease through education, treatment and support efforts through the years. Below are some of the events going on here in Indy and Central Indiana.

2016 Circle Of Sisters

Maria Davis  Source: CJ Rivera / Getty

⇒  Today, here in Indy, the Indianapolis Urban League and several public health and non-profit partners invite you to stop by the Urban League’s office, 777 Indiana Avenue from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to hear HIV Activist and music industry insider, Maria Davis; Marion County Public Health Department Director, Dr. Virginia Caine; Indiana State Department of Health HIV/AIDS Division Director, Dennis Stover; and Senior Director for Policy and Legislative Affairs for the National Urban League, Susie Saavedra. Fellowship, food and empowerment is on tap at today’s Urban League event, according to organizers.  

HIV Testing

Source: Mario Tama / Getty

⇒  FREE HIV Testing Today on World AIDS Day: Two locations—The Damien Center, 26 North Arsenal Avenue Indianapolis, IN and at Walgreens, 1530 North Meridian Street (16th and Meridian Streets), Indianapolis, IN, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

⇒  The faith community is and has always been in the battle against HIV/AIDS and in the care component to support those with the disease, their families and remember those who’ve transitioned. The Circle City HIV/AIDS Coalition and The Church Within invite the community to their annual observance of World AIDS Day here in Indianapolis. This is a memorial service this evening for one hour beginning at 6:00 p.m. tonight at The Church Within’s sanctuary in Fountain Square at 1125 Spruce Street. They will raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and remember those Hoosiers lost to the crisis. Betty H. Wilson, President & CEO of The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis and Reverend Darren Chittick will share their insight and reflections. Live music by The Quarryland Men’s Chorus of Bloomington and panels from the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will be featured.

Bryan C. Jones, HIV/AIDS activist and artist

Bryan C. Jones  Source: unknown / subject/Art For AIDS

⇒  Arts For AIDS features an evening of Art and Activism this evening through what organizers call a most unique and powerful dramatic presentation by Bryan C. Jones who tells his story of living with HIV-AIDS in America in a theatrical piece is entitled “AIDS…..and I Die Slowly”. Excerpts will also be presented by players from the Asante Children’s Theatre of Indianapolis. Live music and a Global Gifts Bazar will also be on tap. Doors open at 5 pm with the program beginning at 6 pm at the Columbus Learning Center at 4555 Central Avenue in Columbus, IN. Get more info HERE.

⇒  The Damien Center, the oldest and largest AIDS-serving organization in Indiana, is kicking off their 30th anniversary on this World AIDS Day. They’re inviting every board member, past and present, to attend a reception at the Damien beginning at 5:30 p.m. this evening. They are also inviting supporters who have been a part of their history and growth through the years. They ask that you stop by any time this evening to share stories from the past as they look toward the future and all they intend to accomplish. The Damien Center is located just east of downtown Indy at off Washington Street at 26 North Arsenal Avenue.

World AIDS Day art

Source: unknown / provided by Brothers United

⇒  Brothers United is observing World AIDS Day as a partner with the Indianapolis Urban League today from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. however, they are also hosting a gala event on Friday, December 2, dedicated to looking at the AIDS epidemic from two perspectives—global  and national. They’ll also highlight the organization’s achievements and efforts to help end the epidemic. They’re promising an inspiring evening filled with speakers, community service awards and honors, entertainment, and education.

Jonathan Capehart - Journalist

Jonathan Capehart  Source: unknown / Jonathan Capehart/provided by Brothers United

The evening  gala features keynote speaker MSNBC contributor, Washington Post editor and Pulitzer Prize winner, Jonathan Capehart. It will be held at the Indianapolis Marriott North, 3645 River Crossing Pkwy, beginning at 6 p.m. For more info, call Brothers United at 317-931-0292 or click HERE.

⇒  For HIV/AIDS resources on this 2016 World AIDS Day and beyond, click HERE.  Counseling/Testing/Referral sites here in the state of Indiana are available HERE.

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