World AIDS Day Event on Friday, Dec. 1, to Highlight HIV’s Disproportionate Impact on Black Women in County

Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery County’s third annual World AIDS Day Solidarity for Health Equity Breakfast will commemorate World AIDS Day on Friday, Dec. 1. The breakfast, from 9-11 a.m., will highlight HIV’s disproportionate impact on Black women in Montgomery County.  It will be held at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
The Silver Spring Civic Building is located at 1 Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring.  The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited and tickets are required.

Tickets are available at TinyURL.com/WorldAIDSDay23. The County’s African American Health Program, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will provide free HIV testing at the event.

“Black women in our community are disproportionately impacted by HIV, comprising over 80 percent of those living with HIV and diagnosed with HIV over the past five years,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.  “If we want to achieve equity in HIV outcomes, a tailored, culturally sensitive approach to testing, treatment and prevention services is required.  This annual event has become an opportunity to share progress on our Plan to End HIV in Montgomery County with the community. I encourage residents, health care providers and those living with HIV or caring for someone with HIV to attend.”

The County’s goal is to end its HIV epidemic by 2030.  Montgomery was named a priority jurisdiction for the Federal Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative in 2020. It released “A Plan to End HIV in Montgomery County” two years ago.  The plan outlines strategies to reduce new HIV transmissions by 90 percent within 10 years.

To support Ending the HIV Epidemic efforts, Montgomery County residents are encouraged to:

• Get tested for HIV, even if they do not think they are at risk.
• Seek treatment for HIV if they test positive. With successful treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission of HIV to others.
• Ask their healthcare provider about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), the HIV prevention medication, to reduce risk of HIV.
• Learn the facts about HIV and talk with partners, family and friends about it.
• Fight HIV stigma by showing support and compassion for people living with HIV.

The event is co-sponsored by DHHS’ Sexual Health and Wellness Services and the Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Free or low-cost HIV testing, treatment and prevention services are available from Sexual Health and Wellness Services. For more information, visit DoItforYouMC.org or call 240-777-1760.”