UW Combined Fund Drive

November 28, 2022

December 1 is World AIDS Day

The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for everyone, and for those living with chronic illnesses this is especially true. The pandemic has changed the way we work, celebrate and enjoy the world; for those living with HIV or AIDS, this is not the first pandemic of their lives.

The toll of the HIV/AIDS pandemic is staggering: World AIDS Day estimates that there are more than 38 million people living with HIV globally.

Since the discovery of the AIDS virus 41 years ago, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has taken more than 35 million lives, more than 700,000 in the U.S. alone, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

The theme for the 2022 observance in the U.S. is Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV, which emphasizes accountability and action.

Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition.

World AIDS Day was the first ever official global health day, and has been observed since 1988. This day provides an opportunity to join together to fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have died. 

Nonprofit Spotlight: Lifelong

Today, numerous organizations work to prevent HIV/AIDS and assist those living with the disease. Seattle-based Lifelong (formerly Lifelong AIDS Alliance) is one of the incredible organizations with whom UWCFD is fortunate to partner. You may recognize their name from their stylish and affordable thrift stores located on Capitol Hill.

As an organization, Lifelong is working to spread awareness of the disproportionate rates of HIV within communities of color. They report: “Every 4 days, a Black and Latinx person is diagnosed with HIV in Washington State”. Through their extensive programming, they work to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, while removing barriers that affect the most vulnerable populations.

Read: What Is the Impact of HIV on Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the U.S.?

Awareness and education is key to recognizing World AIDS Day. Misinformation about disease prevention and treatment can be a dangerous health hazard. The more we learn to understand this disease, the further we can progress towards its cure.

Lifelong always needs volunteers! Volunteer opportunities at the Seattle locations include: repackaging food, preparing and packaging meals, delivering nutritious food, helping out in our offices, lending a hand at events, and more!

Learn more & get involved

The red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV. Wearing a ribbon is a great way to raise awareness on and during the run up to World AIDS Day. Red ribbons are available at select MAC Cosmetics stores and counters, where you can pick one up for a suggested donation of $1.

  • Visit The AMP – AIDS Memorial Parkway: Using public art and technology to create a place for remembrance and reflection about the AIDS epidemic. The Parkway is on Capitol Hill near Cal Anderson Park.
    • Join a free community event on December 1 from 4-5 p.m. at The AMP featuring speakers, performers, refreshments, and community as we gather in remembrance of those lost to AIDS, celebrate how far we’ve come, and look to a future that’s stronger than HIV.
  • Check out the Reflections on 40 Years of HIV ongoing virtual exhibit at the David J. Sencer CDC Museum
  • Gather with family, friends, and loved ones to watch the National AIDS Memorial’s latest Surviving Voices mini-documentary.

Social Media is an effective and safe way to share information and awareness. Post to your favorite platform using these CDC resources. Sample social media post:

December 1 is World AIDS Day. We can work to end the HIV epidemic, community by community. Unite with others around the world to learn how to prevent HIV, support people with HIV, and remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS. #WorldAIDSDay #WAD2022 #RocktheRibbon

Know your Status: Free HIV Testing, December 1
On December 1, Lifelong will provide HIV testing and PrEP navigation counseling at our Capitol Hill and Everett service centers, as well as provide one-on-one informational sessions for those looking to learn their risk and protect themselves and their loved ones from HIV and other STIs. Services are also available by appointment all year long.

Support

Consider making a one-time contribution or setting up payroll deduction to one of our CFD member organizations working to prevent HIV/AIDS and provide services to community members living with HIV/AIDS:

amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research (charity code 0315870): amfAR supports innovative AIDS research educates patients, doctors, the public about HIV treatment/prevention works to protect the rights of all people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Bailey-Boushay House (charity code 0315892): We support people in our community living with HIV/AIDS who have mental illnesses, dependency issues and struggle with homelessness. We provide medication management, counseling, hot meals, and support groups to help them stay healthy longer.

Gay City Health Project (charity code 0315949) Gay City Health Project promotes wellness in LGBT communities by providing health services, connecting people to resources, fostering arts, and building community. We are the leading community-based provider of HIV/STI testing in King County.

Lifelong Chicken Soup Brigade (charity code 0330232): Provides food and services to persons living with AIDS in King County, WA

MPowerment Washington (charity code 1481877): Mpowerment Washington is a LGBTQ organization whose mission is to promote lasting sexual health and strong communities through outreach, education and community wellness amongst those most affected by HIV/AIDS and their allies.

Advocates for Youth (charity code: 1479036): Educating and empowering young people to prevent teen pregnancy, fight HIV/AIDS, and change sexual and reproductive health policies around the world.

National AIDS Fund (charity code 1479122): AIDS United is a national network of community-based organizations dedicated to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in America through access-to-care, prevention, education and advocacy programs.

AIDS Project Snohomish County: (charity code 1481190): AIDS Project Snohomish County APSC supports programs in our community that focus on prevention of further HIV transmission and on supporting those who are infected with HIV/AIDS through the provision of life enhancing services.

Elisabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (charity code 0315163): The leading non-profit organization committed to eradicating pediatric AIDS, preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and insuring a better medical treatments for children.