URMC Observes World AIDS Day with Talks, Events, Concert
Two of the University of Rochester Medical Center’s HIV/AIDS research centers – the Developmental Center for AIDS Research (D-CFAR) and the Rochester Victory Alliance (RVA) – have teamed up with other groups and community leaders to sponsor scientific seminars and local events to mark World AIDS Day, which is observed every year on Dec. 1. As the search continues for an effective vaccine, AIDS Day activities offer important avenues for presenting recent research findings and increasing awareness of the disease.
One of the community offerings is a World HIV Awareness Day forum, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, which will include personal life stories from HIV-positive individuals.
Other events begin as early as this month and conclude on Friday, Dec. 7. All are free and open to the public.
“Putting Prevention into Practice: Treatment, PrEP and Microbicides”
Noon to 1 p.m., Class of ’62 Auditorium, URMC
Sharon L. Hillier, Ph.D., professor, department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, at the University of Pittsburgh, will present a scientific talk. Sponsored by DFAR and RVA.
“Trying to Understand Sexual Transmission of HIV”
1:15 to 2:15 p.m., Class of ’62 Auditorium, URMC
Thomas J. Hope, Ph.D., professor, department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, will present this scientific talk. Sponsored by DFAR and RVA.
12th Annual World AIDS Day Benefit Concert and HIV/AIDS discussion panel
7 to 9 p.m., First Universalist Church, 150 S. Clinton Avenue, Rochester
RVA staff will participate in a panel discussion and make two-minute presentations prior to the performance. The event will also include a performance by the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus. Tickets for the event are $15 ($5 with a student ID) and are available at OutLandish Videos and Gifts, 274 Goodman St. North, and Equal Grounds Coffee House, 750 South Avenue, and at the door.
World HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 44 Columbia Avenue, Rochester
RVA and ABC Faith Hope and Charity Worship Center will present a forum to discuss the impact that new cases of HIV/AIDS has placed on our surrounding communities. A panel of HIV-positive individuals with share their personal life stories.
A candlelight vigil (a collaboration of the Faith Community Alliance of Greater Rochester, Inc., AIDS Care, Black Leadership Commission on AIDS in Rochester, Threshold at The Community Place of Greater Rochester, Inc., and the Mocha Center) will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. at Upper Falls Boulevard and Hudson Avenue, Rochester. HIV testing services will be available and provided by AIDS Care.
A 6 p.m. service at First Genesis Baptist Church, 292 Hudson Avenue, will follow the candlelight vigil. For more information about the vigil or service, contact Jackie Dozier at (585) 210-4126.
10 to 11:30 a.m. Flaum Atrium, UR School of Medicine and Dentistry
HIV/AIDS scientific poster session.Presented by DFAR.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, Buffalo Convention Center
Trans Wellness Fair, RVA staff members will be available to answer questions. The fair is presented by the Pride Center of Western New York.
Date TBA, Rochester and Buffalo locations
MOCHA Be the Generation Event.
For more information about World AIDS Day or local events, visit D-CFAR or the Rochester Victory Alliance. For additional information about the concert performance or group sales, contact Rev. Scotty Ginett at Doing the (Positive) Thing.