City announced events centered around World AIDS Day

The City of St. Joseph Health Department has planned several events this week in recognition of World AIDS Day.

The City said World AIDS Day (WAD) was created by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988 and is celebrated annually December 1st around the world. WAD provides an opportunity to draw attention to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pandemic around the world. The City of St. Joseph Health Department Community Health Services division plans events on or around December 1st to raise awareness of HIV, remember loved ones who have died, show solidarity with people living with HIV, and to celebrate survival and health.

The following WAD activities are open to the public:
Wednesday, November 30:
• 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. HIV/HCV testing and training for interested volunteers provided
by Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of HIV/STI/Hepatitis
Prevention at the City of St. Joseph Health Department, 904 South 10th Street. To preregister,
call Sara Amos at 271-4729 at the St. Joseph Health Department. Lunch and
snacks provided.
Thursday, December 1:
• 6:00 p.m. a candlelight walk and blessing at First Christian Church, 927 Faraon Street.
Participants are encouraged to bring a personal care item such as soap, body wash, etc.,
to be donated to Hope House in Kansas City, MO.
• 7:00 p.m. a candlelight memorial service will be held at Zion United Church of Christ,
816 Faraon, followed by a light meal and lantern lift-off.
Friday, December 2:
• 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. free, walk-in, rapid HIV/HCV testing will be held at Cosentino’s Price
Chopper, 2219 North Belt Highway, near the pharmacy.
All events are open to the community. For more information regarding World AIDS Day
events, please contact the health department at 816-271-4636, option 2, or Andy
Halamar at 233-4444.

The city said members of the community are encouraged to wear a red ribbon as a symbol of support for the prevention of HIV/AIDS, as well as support for those affected by this disease. Anyone interested in a red ribbon or wanting to offer them at a business should call the health department at 816-271-4636, option 2.