It's been 30 years since the discovery of the AIDS virus in the United States, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the South includes the largest number of people in this country living with or dying from HIV/AIDS.
Four out of ten (40%) Americans living with AIDS reside in the South.
In Mecklenburg County, an average of seven new HIV/AIDS cases is reported daily, according to The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, or RAIN. Most of those cases affect African Americans.
African Americans are disproportionately impacted by HIV. African Americans comprise 68% of all new reported HIV cases in 2007, despite representing only 28% of the county's total populationFrom 1999 to 2007 HIV cases increased by 57%
Mecklenburg County has the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases in North Carolina
North Carolina was ranked 8th out of the top 15 states with new AIDS cases among African Americans
• December 1
World AIDS Day Kick off: Reflection and Celebration
Uptown Charlotte’s Marshall Park
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Featuring…Gospel choir, Rock Band, Consumer and Provider guest speaker, spoken word, and our Red Balloon release
In honor of World AIDS Day we ask that you wear a red ribbon or red attire.
• Thursday
The VOICES Project
Actor’s Theater
650 E. Stonewall St.
Doors open at 6p.m., event starts at 7p.m.
Produced and hosted by RAIN, The Actor’s Theater of Charlotte, and the Mecklenburg County Health Department
The Red Pump Awards
7 p.m.
Award Honoree: Joanne Jenkins
Harvey B Gantt Center
The RED and REASONS Affair — Bar Crawl
The Belfast Mill and surrounding bars in the Courtyard
10p.m. until 2a.m.
Admission $5 donation all night with great drink specials
21 and older with proper I.D.
In honor of World AIDS Day we ask that you wear a red ribbon or red attire.
FREE and CONFIDENTIAL HIV testing
9 a.m. — until
5501 Executive Center Dr.
• Friday
FREE and CONFIDENTIAL HIV and Syphilis testing
8 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Carolinas CARE Partnership
7510 E. Independence Blvd. Suite 105
Rapid testing with 15 minute results