KNOXVILLE - World AIDS Day will be commemorated in Knoxville on Monday, December 1, 7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park.
The keynote speaker for the event is Daniel Ely, MD. Dr. Ely is board certified in internal medicine practicing in Knoxville and was one of the first doctors in Knoxville to provide medical care to AIDS patients.
The theme of World AIDS Day is ‘Getting to Zero,’ which refers to the United Nations’ vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.
“Discrimination and Stigma have been around for years,” says AIDS activist Jeff Simmons. “It is time we end both and just let people be who they are.” At the ceremony, Jeff Simmons will receive the Jack N. Moore Community Involvement Award, which honors the activism of a person living with HIV on behalf of the community.
Lori Gibbs, Medical Case Manager at the Knox County Health Department Centers of Excellence will receive the Outstanding Person of the Year Award at the World AIDS Day ceremony.
The evening program also includes music by the Knoxville Gay Men’s Chorus, a skit by the Planned Parenthood FYI Peer Education Program and a candlelight remembrance of those who lost their lives to the AIDS epidemic.
Events in Knoxville:
Monday, December 1
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM – Free, confidential HIV screening, Pellissippi State Community College, Hardin Valley; Sponsored by Helen Ross McNabb Center & Samaritan Ministry
Monday, December 1
5-8 PM -Art to Remember / AIDS Memorial Quilt Display and New Panel Dedication, The Southern Depot, 318 W. Depot Avenue, Knoxville, sponsored by Covenant Health
Monday, December 1
World AIDS Day Program, Holiday Inn World’s Fair, 7:30 PM
Wednesday, December 3
11 AM- 2 PM, Free, confidential HIV testing, University Center Room 237, UTK, sponsored by the Knox County Health Department and the UT Chapter of the NAACP
Thursday, December 4
Free, confidential HIV testing, XYZ Club; 9-11 PM Sponsored by Helen Ross McNabb Center
Saturday, December 6
FaithWalk and Al Ichiki 5k, 1:00 registration, 2:00 PM 5K race and walk, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 W. Vine Avenue, Knoxville, sponsored by Samaritan Ministry, $25 donation.
