World AIDS Day memorial events to be held December 1, 2014

The Pierce County AIDS Foundation (PCAF) is hosting two memorial events to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1, 2014. 

World AIDS Day is an international day of remembrance that was established in 1988 by UNAIDS to increase awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education about HIV/AIDS. It has been observed annually since. 

PCAF has planned two memorial events; one in Tacoma and one in Olympia, each with the theme “Remember. Hope. Act.” Each memorial will provide an opportunity for the community to commemorate those we have lost to HIV/AIDS, to support people currently living with HIV, to unite against stigma and discrimination, and to join together in the eradication of the disease once and for all. 

HIV/AIDS continues to be a global health concern that requires a renewed effort to increase communication, education, and united action to stop the stigma and spread of HIV/AIDS. “Despite the advances that have been made in treatment and care for those infected, HIV is not going away, and in fact continues to be on the rise in our community,” said Duane Wilkerson, PCAF Executive Director. “World AIDS Day provides an important opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together to remember those we have lost, to raise awareness of the ongoing impact of HIV and AIDS, and to take action to reduce the stigma still faced by many of our friends, neighbors and family members who are affected by the disease.” 

All those affected by HIV/AIDS and supporters of Pierce County AIDS Foundation who are driven by the commitment to combat this disease are invited to participate. Both events are free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by Pride Foundation, Walgreens, and Trusteed Plans Service Corporation. 

For more information contact PCAF at 253-383-2565 or visit our website (www.piercecountyaids.org) for more details. 

Event Details 

Olympia: Sylvester Park (615 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501) 

5:30pm-6:30pm 

Featured Speaker: Michael Waggener is a longtime advocate of LGBT causes and has been active in the fight against HIV since his own diagnosis in 1996. He is a well-known activist who has shared his story with multiple groups in the South Sound community. 

Tacoma: Scandinavian Cultural Center, Pacific Lutheran University (12180 Park Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98447) 

7:00pm-8:00pm 

Featured Speaker: Judith Billings is an educator, attorney, and advocate for HIV/AIDS funding and education. Her extensive background includes serving on President Clinton’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and on the Washington Governor’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. 

About PCAF: Pierce County AIDS Foundation is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to the mission to prevent HIV infection, assist persons affected by HIV/AIDS, address related health problems, and combat associated stigma and discrimination.