10a​​On Dec. 1, we wear red ribbons to support the people living with HIV and honor those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. This day serves as the worldwide united fight against HIV.

As one of the most destructive pandemics in modern history, 38 million people have died of the virus, and an estimated 105,000 are living with HIV. HIV was identified in 1984.

Last summer, our area made headlines for ranking sixth in the nation for newly diagnosed AIDS cases and fifth in the country for newly diagnosed HIV cases. For 2022, inner body research shows Fayetteville, North Carolina, as tenth in the nation for new Sexually Transmitted Disease cases. The NC Communicable Disease Branch reports that there have been 56 newly diagnosed HIV infections for Cumberland County residences between January and September of this year. Cumberland County trails Mecklenburg County, Wake County, and Guilford County in the number of new cases.

The nonprofit Cumberland County HIV Task Force (CCHIVTF) is in action to combat this local problem. The organization has been around for over 35 years to provide information and education to the community and is funded by the Southern AIDS Coalition. Jovon McLean serves as Chairman, and Barbara Carraway serves as the organization's Secretary. Together they recently started a podcast on Youtube, "Let’s Be Real."

In conversations about HIV, McLean says, “We want to invite unusual partners to the table."

CCHIVTF meets virtually the first Tuesday of the month from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. A zoom link can be requested from their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cchivtf/
Fayetteville PRIDE will host an awareness campaign and a virtual fundraiser on World AIDS Day to support Community Health Intervention Specialty Clinic, located at 2409 Murchinson Road. Community Health

Interventions conducts finger prick testing and distributes PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) through the Fayetteville community.

“The fight for humanity is everyone’s fight for equality,” Kathy Greggs, Fayetteville PRIDE Board Member, says.

The digital fundraiser can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fayncpride/.

In partnership with Southern Regional AHEC White Part B Program and Cumberland County HIV Task Force, The Arts Council will host the exhibit “Tear It Down,” which will center around HIV, Faith, and Breaking Stigma. The art exhibit will feature local artists Khalil Coleman, Dominique Wright, Tony Taylor Jr., and Dontre Perry. The display is open to the public and will run from Dec. 1 to Dec. 16.

The World AIDS Day Celebration and Art Gallery Opening will be at the Arts Council in downtown Fayetteville on Dec. 1. The doors will open at 6 p.m., and the celebration will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. This fun-filled evening will include Hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and outstanding local artwork. The dress code for the event is business casual/semi-formal. To RSVP, send an email to cumberlandhivgala@gmail.com to ensure guest accommodations. If you have any questions, please call 910-678-7270.

World AIDS Day is an important reminder to the public and the government that HIV has not disappeared. The need is still there to increase awareness, raise money, fight prejudice, and improve education.

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