Health department hosts World AIDS Day event Dec. 1

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is collaborating with several local partners to provide a free event on World AIDS Day on Monday, Dec. 1, that encourages people worldwide to unite in the continued fight against HIV/AIDS.

The event is a component of the "Stand Against Stigma" campaign focused on erasing the stigma often associated with HIV/AIDS, such as unfavorable attitudes, beliefs, and policies directed toward people living with these conditions, as well as their loved ones and communities.

Stigma can impact how people living with HIV/AIDS see themselves and how others think about them. Stigma prevents people from getting tested, seeking medical care and living full and healthy lives. Until this stigma is faced head-on, new infections will continue to rise.

This year's Dec. 1 bilingual event begins with a dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. A program follows from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with community members sharing their stories about living with HIV, a candle-lighting ceremony, and music featuring local entertainer Ivy Ford on acoustic guitar and local singer/dancer Isaac Zires. A coffee reception follows from 7:30 to 8 p.m.

All activities are free and open to the public at Waukegan High School's Trapp Auditorium, 2325 Brookside in Waukegan.

The health department's partners in planning this event include Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim's office, State Rep. Rita Mayfield's office, Ascension Health/Alexian Brothers The Harbor, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago-Lake County Services, YWCA Lake County, Angles-North Shore Youth Health Service, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Waukegan Public Schools and the Waukegan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

The health department is committed to providing access to care, treatment and support for people who are living with HIV/AIDS, addressing stigma and discrimination related to these conditions and promoting HIV/AIDS prevention programs at the community level.

Its STI/HIV Prevention Program, 2400 Belvidere Road in Waukegan, offers services such as counseling, free and confidential testing, education, educational based support/talk groups, prevention case management and street outreach.

For information about the World AIDS Day event or to make an appointment, call (847) 377-8450.