Sat. December 1, 2012
Chicago, IL -
Saturday, Dec. 1 marks the 25th anniversary of World AIDS Day, commemorating the 30 million people around the world who have died from the disease since the first reported cases in 1981.
It's estimated that some 34 million people worldwide are living with HIV. Last year, about 2.5 million people became infected with the disease. African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV.
Young people ages 13 to 24 account for 26 percent of all new HIV infections, according a report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this week.
The CDC found that young men who have sex with men are less likely than others to use condoms and to get tested.
Public health care professionals say getting an HIV test is the first step to finding out if you have HIV and getting medical care needed to stay healthy longer. If left untreated, HIV infection leads to AIDS and early death.
World AIDS Day events in Chicago
The Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, hosts an event with keynote speaker Patrik-Ian Polk (creator of Noah's Arc) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Free rapid HIV testing will be offered all day. (Event details)
TransActions will hold the Legends Ball, an awards and performance event to benefit transgender social services in Chicago, at the Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave., Saturday at 7 p.m. (Event details)
Queer Fest America will hold a concert Saturday at The Mutiny, 2428 N. Western Ave., to benefit El Rescate. The show starts at 8 p.m. with performances by David Bowie tribute band Stardust, The Cathy Santonies, The Recruitment and Ez Kabage. Those attending are asked to bring donations of blankets, winter coats and other items to benefit the shelter, but there is no cover charge. (Event details)
David Ernesto Munar, President and CEO for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago will speak on a World AIDS Day panel at the White House on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. CST. (Watch the livestream)
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago is one of a number of advocacy organizations and healthcare providers in Chicago helping individuals live with HIV. For more information visit www.aidschicago.org.
More events on CalendarQ
Related: ChicagoPride.com interview with Patrik-Ian Polk
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