This World AIDS Day, stand for the health and belonging of people living with HIV

Today, December 1, we’re honoring World AIDS Day: an annual day of solidarity and support for people affected by HIV and AIDS. World AIDS Day is close to our hearts here at Evergreen – we first opened our doors in 1983 as AIDS Community Services, and have been at the forefront of HIV care and prevention in Western New York ever since.

On World AIDS Day, and every day, we remember the people we’ve lost to HIV and AIDS-related illnesses, and fight for the health and belonging of people living with HIV. Read on to learn some easy ways you can join us in honoring World AIDS Day.

Learn the facts about HIV

Knowing the facts about HIV can help you fight stigma and understand the experiences of people living with HIV. Did you know that…

• Modern HIV treatment lets people with HIV live healthy, full lives. The goal of HIV treatment is to lower and maintain the viral load of HIV in a person’s blood to an undetectable level.
• People who have an undetectable viral load can’t transmit (pass) HIV to others. You might hear this explained with “U=U” or “Undetectable = Untransmittable.”
• PrEP is a medication that can nearly eliminate a person’s chances of becoming HIV positive. There are several ways to take PrEP, including daily, periodic, or on-demand, and most people who see an Evergreen provider and use our pharmacy pay $0 out-of-pocket for PrEP.
• HIV testing is accessible, confidential, and fast, and can be a routine part of any sexually active person’s health care. Rapid HIV tests get results in less than half an hour, and if you test positive, you can start treatment the same day.
• Medical treatment isn’t the only support available for people who are living with HIV. Evergreen’s supportive services for people living with HIV include transportation, housing, health education, nutrition, and a group for people aging with HIV.
• People living with HIV deserve to be accepted and celebrated, to enjoy their sex lives, and to receive affirming and understanding healthcare.

Get tested to learn or affirm your status

Everyone has an HIV status – do you know yours?

Getting tested for HIV is one of the easiest ways you can celebrate World AIDS Day. Here’s how you can make an appointment for HIV testing at Evergreen and our affiliates:

Evergreen Health: schedule a testing appointment online, or call us at 716.847.2441 (press option 5)

The Pride Center of WNY: schedule a testing appointment online, call 716.852.7743 to schedule a same-day appointment, or stop by 278 Delaware Ave during walk-in testing hours:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 9am-1pm & 2pm-5pm

Wednesdays: 10am-1pm & 2-6pm

Community Access Services: call 716.852.5969 to schedule a testing appointment

MOCHA Buffalo: schedule a testing appointment online, call 716.541.0674 to schedule a same-day appointment, or stop by 200 S. Elmwood Ave during walk-in testing hours:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 8:30am-4:30pm

Tuesdays: 8:30-6:30

Remember those we’ve lost to AIDS-related illnesses

Viewing your local AIDS Memorial Quilts is a powerful way to remember the people we’ve lost to AIDS-related illnesses and their loved ones.

You can tour the Mending of the Hearts Project, Western New York’s collection of memorial quilts made in memory of loved ones lost to AIDS-related illnesses, in person in Evergreen’s lobby of 206 S. Elmwood Ave throughout December. Or, you can take the virtual tour online.

Our annual Red Ribbon wall will also be on display in the lobby throughout December – stop by to add a red ribbon in memory of a loved one lost to AIDS-related illnesses.

Fight stigma by proudly supporting people with HIV

People living with HIV today continue to face stigma and discrimination. You can be an ally to people living with HIV by proudly showing your support on World AIDS Day (and any day!)

Consider showing your support by wearing a red ribbon, posting a supportive message on social media, making plans to Dine Out For Life in 2025, or talking to others about why supporting people with HIV is important to you.

Evergreen Health, founded in 1983 as AIDS Community Services, is dedicated to providing affirming medical care and supportive services for people living with HIV, as well as HIV prevention. Call us at 716.847.2441 (press option 5) to make an appointment with our HIV Care and Prevention teams.