World AIDS Day is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization according to the WHO website. Locally, this global campaign will be recognized with two special commemorative events. On Sunday, November 30 and Monday, December 1, 2014, as the Grand Rapids Red Project will host a series of events for World AIDS Day.
Two films will be shown at the Wealthy Street Theatre Koning MicroCinema on Sunday, November 30. “Bad Blood”, a documentary featuring the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the highly vulnerable hemophilia community, will show at 2 pm, followed by a panel of HIV and hemophilia specialists. The second film, “Dallas Buyers Club”, is an Academy Award winning (Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor) biographical drama featuring the challenges of navigating access to AIDS medications in the 80s will begin at 4:30 pm.
Red Project Development Coordinator, Brian Keeley says; “We are excited to present educational and entertaining films Sunday before World AIDS Day, providing a more comprehensive understanding of HIV and AIDS. After more than 30 years of the continuing epidemic, there are many people and experiences to learn from, cherish, and celebrate both globally and locally.”
On World AIDS Day, December 1st, Red Project will host a memorial program at Fountain Street Church at 7 pm. The ceremony will combine music, performance, and storytelling. The event will open with NIBIINANAKITINAAGAMOJIK, a Native American women cultural hand drum group. Musical performances include Dede Alderman, Caitlin Cusack and Katie Tamayo, Juliana NahasVillo, and Molly Bouwsma Schultz and Scott Schultz, in combination with short acts by STAGE and Actor’s Theatre. Jeff Shade, board member of Red Project adds, “We will honor those we have loved and lost to HIV as well as support those living with HIV through remembrance, hope, and celebration.”
Both the film screenings and the World AIDS Day event are free of charge, and donations are welcomed. All proceeds from the event will benefit local HIV prevention efforts.
Currently, it is estimated that 1,100 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Kent County, although 1/5 are unaware. Overall, new infection rates have not decreased significantly since the beginning of the epidemic because not enough people are in treatment for HIV, which is the most effective way to prevent transmission.
Red Project provides free HIV testing by appointment or during walk-in hours. In addition, the group offers support services and peer groups for those living with HIV. More details can be found at redproject.org. Red Project also provides free syringes and services for those at risk, which has been successful at decreasing rates of new HIV cases related to injection drug use from 25% to less than 10%.
Donations can be made at redproject.org.
About The Grand Rapids Red Project
The Grand Rapids Red Project's mission is improving health, preventing HIV, and reducing risk. The organization’s board is made up of volunteer community members who are passionate in the fight against HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. It is a nonprofit, community service organization supporting individuals and communities in the West Michigan area affected by these infectious diseases and accidental drug overdose. For more information about The Grand Rapids Red Project, please visit http://redprojectgr.org.
Disclosure: This article was written in collaboration with Grand Rapids Red Project
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