De-Stigmatizing HIV

World AIDS Day, a way to remember, to honor, and educate. Sunday’s Interfaith Service is sure to cover the first two, but the education portion belongs to Monday. The city has once again organized a day-long event to inform and de-stigmatize AIDS/HIV within the community.

Led by a conglomeration of local non-profit, community and government workers, this year’s event is open to the public and will include an HIV 101. There will also be workshops on how to talk about the disease and, for those working with folks who are HIV-positive, there will be opportunities to connect with other Austin HIV/AIDS resources.

The goal of this event is to provide community members, non-profit workers, and organizations better tools to care for their clients, especially those at a higher risk of contracting HIV. Free Continuing Education Units will be available for social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors.

All are welcome, according to the press release. “No matter your level of HIV knowledge or experience. The event is open to the public, and we especially welcome all who work for the benefit of our communities, schools, and with the public.”

The event starts Monday, 9 am at For The City Center, 500 East St. Johns Avenue. Attendees are invited to come early [8:30am] for a free breakfast, and registration.