Remember and Commit: World Aids Day

Westchester, NY, December 1, 2023 – In partnership with the Westchester County Department of Health, the Urban League of Westchester is proud to observe World AIDS Day on December 1. This year, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Westchester Community Health Center (formerly the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center), recognizing its longstanding dedication to serving those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Through our collaboration with the Health Department, we offer free, rapid HIV testing at the Syringe Exchange Program located at 4 Wilson Place, Mount Vernon. This service is crucial for early detection and prevention, helping to reduce the spread of HIV in our community. Additionally, we provide PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a preventive treatment taken daily to prevent HIV in individuals at high risk, and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), a medication regimen initiated after possible exposure to HIV to prevent infection.

An estimated 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV, with 13 percent unaware of their diagnosis and in need of testing, according to HIV.GOV. The Westchester County Department of Health urges residents to get tested, especially considering that HIV continues to disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities, as well as gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Despite effective treatments, there remains no cure or vaccine for HIV.

The World AIDS Day event will take place from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 52 South Sixth Avenue, Mount Vernon. This free, public event will include a panel discussion on health equity, with keynote speaker Cecilia Dean, RPA, HIV Specialist, and other distinguished health professionals. The event will highlight advancements in HIV treatment, health equity, and prevention strategies, reflecting this year's theme: “World AIDS Day 35: Collaborating for Change: Partnering for Health Equity.”

For more information, call 914-699-5857 for testing and services.

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