Montgomery County will observe World AIDS Day on Tuesday, December 3, with a complimentary breakfast program and workshops on Black women’s sexual health and wellness from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The free event, co-sponsored by the alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will be held at the Silver Spring Civic Building in downtown Silver Spring. This year’s theme, “Breaking the Silence Together: Celebrating Black Women’s Strength in HIV Awareness,” highlights the need to address racial disparities in sexual health.
The county’s African American Health Program will provide free on-site HIV testing during the event.
“World AIDS Day reminds us of the progress we have come in addressing the HIV epidemic, but there is still work we need to do to eliminate racial health disparities and health outcomes,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in a press release. “Black women have faced significant barriers in accessing resources. By bringing attention to this issue, we can empower residents with the tools and information needed to prevent and treat HIV.”
The day starts at 9 a.m. with the fourth annual World AIDS Day Solidarity for Health Equity Breakfast. Following the breakfast, residents can join free educational workshops:
- 12:30-2:30 p.m. — “Embracing Pleasure: A Journey to Wellness and Empowerment” – An interactive workshop on the importance of pleasure in sexual health.
- 12:30-2:00 p.m. — “PrEP Now…Not Later” – A discussion on the benefits of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for Black women.
- 2:30-4:00 p.m. — “I Am a Quintessential Woman” – Exploring ways to enhance personal and communal strengths.
The Silver Spring Civic Building is at 1 Veterans Place in downtown Silver Spring. For details and free tickets to the World AIDS Day event, visit worldaidsdaymc.org.
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