Observance of World AIDS Day in St. Petersburg Honoring Lives Lost

In St. Petersburg, the sound of hand bells filled the air as the community gathered in observance of World AIDS Day, a solemn remembrance of the millions of lives claimed by the AIDS epidemic.

Joy Winheim, president of Empath Partners for Care (EPIC), reflected on the past, recalling how HIV/AIDS once signified a near-immediate death sentence. ‘Forty years ago, it was a death sentence. People were getting diagnosed and dying within days, weeks, and months,’ she stated. EPIC is a dedicated non-profit organization providing essential support for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.

EPIC’s mission is clear and compassionate: to offer comprehensive prevention and treatment services free or at low cost. ‘Anything with someone with HIV needs, we are there to support you,’ Winheim affirmed. The organization plays a pivotal role in a global effort to eradicate the AIDS epidemic by 2030. ‘We do need to get rid of the stigma. It is not the death sentence it used to be,’ she emphasized.

The observance of World AIDS Day every December 1st, which started in 1988, serves as a global platform to raise awareness and fight prejudice. In a broader national gesture, President Joe Biden, alongside First Lady Jill Biden, recently participated in a ceremony featuring AIDS quilts on the White House Lawn, underscoring the importance of awareness and treatment. ‘I want to make sure that everyone in the United States knows their HIV status, that everyone with HIV receives high-quality care and treatment that they deserve,’ President Biden declared.

Winheim pointed out the hope embodied in EPIC’S efforts. As scientific advancements and increased awareness continue, she noted, ‘There’s going to be less need for ceremonies like this, because people are living longer lives.’ This sentiment reflects a future where remembrance is matched by progress in fighting the disease.

As World AIDS Day is observed, the efforts of organizations like EPIC and national leaders serve as a reminder of the progress and challenges in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS.

Source: Fox13news