World AIDS Day is observed each year on December 1 and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have died. Started in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.
This year, many organizations around Minnesota are hosting activities or events for World AIDS Day, including:
Sunday, Dec. 1
- GROUNDED IN HOPE: Embracing the Possibilities for Ending HIV A Special World AIDS Day Service of Remembrance and Commitment
All God’s Children MCC, 3100 Park Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN (10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
An ecumenical worship service uniting communities to end HIV. Brunch to follow. Open to public. - Red Undie Run
Stone Arch Bridge (downtown side), 100 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN (4 – 6 p.m.)
The Red Undie Run is just over a mile run across Stone Arch Bridge and back to create awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS. Warm up after the run at eagleBOLTbar. Free. RSVP at The Aliveness Project. - The Other Room & Angels in America: A World AIDS Day Music Program
LUSH, 990 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, MN (3:30 – 6 p.m.)
Arbeit Opera Theatre and LOFTrecital’s World AIDS Day program is an evening of remembrance and awareness inspired by musical stories centered around the AIDS crisis. Pay-as-able tickets at Lush.
Monday, Dec. 2
- Rapid HIV Testing
Rochester Public Library - Meeting Room B, 101 2nd St. S.E., Rochester, MN (9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Free, confidential rapid HIV testing to individuals ages 13+. Educational materials and condoms will be available. The first 100 participants will receive a gift card. - NorthPoint Health and Wellness World AIDS Day
NorthPoint Health and Wellness, 1313 Penn Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Walk-in HIV testing 9 a.m.-5 p.m., interactive resource tables 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., documentary and discussion (at 1256 Penn Ave. N. building), 5th floor, noon – 1 p.m. All are open to public. - Indigenous Peoples Task Force's World Aids Day
All Nations Church, 1515 E. 23rd St., Minneapolis, MN (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
The Indigenous Peoples Task Force will host an event to pray for those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS (offer sacred tobacco “aseema” into a fire in prayer), be educated on ways to protect themselves against HIV, get tested for HIV and break the stigma surrounding HIV.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
- World Tour of the Nations
East Side Family Clinic, 895 E. 7th St., St. Paul, MN (4 – 8 p.m.)
Free walk-in HIV testing, food from around the world, hot chocolate bar and bingo with prizes. Open to public.
This list was compiled by the Minnesota Department of Health in cooperation with the organizations listed with events.