Each year, Dec. 1 offers the world an opportunity to ponder the HIV epidemic and remember the millions who have died from HIV-related complications over the last 30 years. On World AIDS Day, people around the globe will take a moment to consider the impact this virus has had on the course of human history — and look ahead to the future and a world without new HIV transmissions.
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is proud to honor this important day through big announcements, speaking engagements, celebratory events, and new ways of learning more about the disease and AFC’s impact on it.
Here is a list of key ways AFC will commemorate World AIDS Day. Will you join us?
A new aidschicago.org. Starting on Dec. 1, AFC will have a brand-new way to assist people living with and vulnerable to HIV in Illinois and around the world. The new aidschicago.org will tell AFC’s 30-year story through the people who serve — and are served by — the organization. A new dynamic search function will help users find the information they seek rapidly; refreshed navigation, content, images, and stories will tell the story of HIV and AFC in a new way.
The Ryan White program, then and now. On Dec. 1, AFC’s Director of Special Projects Roman Buenrostro will be a featured speaker at a luncheon at Erie Family Health Center’s Humboldt Park location. He will describe the current landscape for Ryan White participants and discuss how the program to assist people living with HIV has changed over the last decade. For information about this event, email Erie’s health educator and outreach coordinator, Emeralda Rosales.
Dine out with Francesca’s. On World AIDS Day, Chicago-area Italian restaurant group Francesca’s will donate 15 percent of net bills presented with a special flier to AFC in honor of those living with HIV. To participate, print this flier, dine out on Dec. 1 at one of the four Francesca’s locations listed on the flier, and present the flier with your bill to the server.
World of Chocolate. AFC’s annual winter gala, World of Chocolate, will welcome 1,500 guests to the majestic Chicago Union Station on Thursday, Dec. 4, for a night of food, drinks and dancing. If you are interested in tasting chocolaty treats from 24 of Chicago’s top chefs, enjoying an open bar among fellow HIV/AIDS allies and dancing the night away, purchase tickets at aidschicago.org/chocolate.
Assistance with health insurance enrollment. Several in-person counselors will be on hand at Center on Halsted’s World AIDS Day event on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by to learn more about your health insurance options through the Illinois marketplace, and enroll in a plan onsite. Learn more about Center on Halsted here.
Supporting policies that work for people with HIV. Policy Manager Molly McAndrew will unpack AFC’s key policy initiatives at the center on Halsted event on Dec. 6. Her brief presentation will cover legislation to cap the copay, provide mandatory screening for HIV and more. Learn more about Center on Halsted here.
Celebrating the Holidays with Friends. A benefit concert to raise funds for Step Up. Get Tested., a citywide collaboration to make HIV tests accessible to Chicago’s most vulnerable communities, will take place on Dec. 7 and 8 at Victory Gardens Theatre and include performances by Ledisi, Donald Lawrence, Pauletta Washington and more. Tickets and more information are available here.
