UC San Diego Recognizes World AIDS Day Dec. 2 with AIDS Memorial Quilt Display

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The University of California, San Diego will recognize World AIDS Day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2 with a variety of free, public events, including a viewing of portions of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, the largest ongoing art project in the world. This year’s events reflect UC San Diego’s “Getting to Zero” theme which conveys the global community effort needed to achieve zero new HIV infections, zero stigma against those living with HIV/AIDS and zero AIDS-related deaths.

“World AIDS Day is an important reminder of the need to increase global awareness of this devastating disease,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “We honor this day as part of an ongoing dialogue to educate individuals about the impact of HIV/AIDS, and to encourage each person to take action to ultimately halt the effects of AIDS entirely."

World AIDS Day was first established in 1988 and is held on Dec. 1 each year. The global event is an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and commemorate those who have passed from AIDS-related deaths.

The various activities, displays and other events include:

• AIDS Memorial Quilt Display, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dec. 2, Price Center East Ballroom: One of the highlights of UC San Diego’s celebration of World AIDS Day will be a display showcasing sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. The sections on display are inspired by San Diego organizations and individuals as they have responded to the AIDS crisis, from the early years of the epidemic through the present day. A meditation room and wall of remembrance will be available adjacent to the AIDS Memorial Quilt display. The room will feature a video of stories from people in San Diego living with HIV and AIDS, offering their stories in an effort to combat stigma and help educate attendees about what it is like living with HIV.
• Information and Resources on Library Walk, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 2, Library Walk: Red ribbons and condom “roses” will be distributed in addition to prevention information and other educational materials from numerous UC San Diego and community groups and organizations. Also along Library Walk will be an area with displays that present the milestones related to HIV/AIDS, reflecting on the pandemic’s impact.
• “HIV and AIDS Deconstructed”, Dec. 2 to Dec. 6, All Day, Cross Cultural Center: Throughout the day, the Cross-Cultural Center will invite attendees to view “HIV and AIDS Deconstructed,” artwork created from data collected by the Center for Disease Control and the National Center for HIV/AIDS.
• Panel Discussion, 7 p.m., Dec. 2, Middle Earth Lounge: Eleanor Roosevelt College will present the “How Does HIV/AIDS Affect YOU?” panel discussion. Panel participants will include people who have been affected by HIV/AIDS, including HIV-positive young people.
• HIV Testing, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, Library Walk: Following, UC San Diego’s recognition of World AIDS Day, the campus’s AntiViral Research Center will offer free, confidential HIV testing for students, faculty, staff and the public. Counseling services and further testing will also be available. Appointments for the HIV tests will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on World AIDS Day at UC San Diego, go here.