Suffolk County joins millions of people across the globe in observing December 1 as World AIDS Day. Around the world, about 37 million people are living with HIV. In the United States, about 44,000 people get infected with HIV every year and about one in eight people who has HIV doesn’t know it. In Suffolk County, there were 2,955 people living with HIV or AIDS, according to New York State HIV/AIDS Surveillance Annual Report for Cases Diagnosed through December 2013.
County Executive Steve Bellone and Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken encourage residents to take action to do what they can to help raise awareness, fight prejudice, improve education, and stop the spread of HIV and AIDS in Suffolk County. Taking action can mean getting tested, participating in outreach or educational events, donating to help find a cure, or encouraging those who are at a substantial risk for HIV to consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill for that prevents HIV.
Following is a list of World AIDS Day 2016 events and activities.
Stony Brook
December 1, 2016, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Stony Brook University, Sidney Gelber Auditorium, SAC
Featuring a screening of the film Rent, the documentary Blood Brother, a health fair, and free HIV testing. A screening of United in Anger will take place at the close of the event and will be followed by a question and answer period with the film’s director, Jim Hubbard.
The event is open to the public.
Wyandanch
December 1, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wyandanch Public Library, 14 South 20th St., Wyandanch, NY.
The Wyandanch Library and The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk are partnering to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Information on testing, resources and education will be provided. For information contact Barbara Raymond, Prevention Coordinator, 320 Carlton Ave., Suite 7800, Central Islip, NY 11722. Phone 631-968-8000 Ext. 671. Fax to 631-968-8131 or email braymondz@eoc-suffolk.com.
Brentwood
December 1st, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
HRHCare Health Center at Brentwood, 1869 Brentwood Rd., Brentwood, NY
“Access to Equity Rights Now: A Call to Action.”
The commemoration and reception will begin at 12 p.m. A viewing of the film, Life Support, featuring Queen Latifah will begin at 1 p.m. Refreshments are included. To RSVP, contact: Maria Mezzatesta at 631-716-9026 ext. 83013 or mmezzatesta@hrhcare.org, or Felix Ruiz, LMSW at 631-416-5480 x 87083
Southampton
December 1, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Stony Brook University: Parrish Hall, Southampton Hospital Corner of Lewis Street & Herrick Road.
Dinner with Friends Raffles, Live Music …and great company. Call the Rogers Center 631-287-5990
Testing and Resources:
Suffolk County Family Health Centers
Suffolk County Department of Health Services is affiliated with nine family health centers located in Amityville, Brentwood, Greenlawn, Coram, Southampton, Patchogue, Riverhead, Shirley, and Wyandanch. The health centers offer HIV testing services, education and treatment. For contact information for the health centers, visit http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/PatientCare/HealthCenters.aspx
LIGALY
LIGALY offers free, quick, and confidential HIV/STI testing at its community centers across Long Island. Get results in as little as 20 minutes, by appointment or during drop-in hours. Free condoms are available, as well.
Where: The Center at Bay Shore
When: Drop-In Hours are Wednesdays from 5:00pm – 8:00pm and second Fridays of the month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm (ages 13-21 only)
Where: The Center at Woodbury
When: Drop-In Hours are Thursdays from 5:00pm – 8:00pm
For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 631.665.2300 or email testing@liglbtnetwork.org
See more at: http://lgbtnetwork.org/content/fighting-hivstis#sthash.jACYXRGd.dpuf
LIAAC: AIDS Education and Testing Initiative
The Long Island Association for AIDS Care (LIAAC) is a community-based, not-for-profit agency that provides services and support for Long Islanders infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and at high risk for HIV infection and other infectious diseases. Staff refers and link clients to medical treatment, supportive services, and assists them with navigating through the social services and health care system. LIACC offers case management, a hotline for Long Islanders looking for AIDS-related services, and testing –including rapid HIV, hepatitis C and STI testing --throughout the year on its mobile van. Call on the hotline 1-877-865-4222 to ask the mobile van to visit your neighborhood. For more information on LIAAC, visit http://www.liaac.org/hiv-aids-hotline.php
Social Media
Join your neighbors by observing #WorldAIDSDay and the United Nation’s Hands Up for #HIVPrevention2016 on social media.
For more information on World AIDS Day and to locate HIV testing and other services near you, visit: http://aids.gov/news-and-events/awareness-days/world-aids-day/
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