Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services, Inc. (PALSS, Inc. and its community partners will observe World AIDS Day on Monday, December 2nd by hosting a Remembrance Ceremony at the South Carolina State House (North Grounds). “One World One Fight” is the theme of this year’s observance. The program will include a candlelight vigil, religious prayers for healing, musical selections, words of support from Mrs. Avis Buchanan, MSN, RN Health Committee Chairperson for the NAACP South Carolina State Conference, and the keynote address by family physician and HIV specialist, Dr. Ada Stewart.
Additionally, at 11am-2pm there will be an AIDS Walk – “Together We Walk” around the SC State House perimeter, in remembrance of those who have passed from AIDS. A brief rally will be conducted during the walk by various advocates.
Here are some important facts about HIV/AIDS in our state:
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In South Carolina 19846 are living with HIV (including AIDS).
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For the two-year period 2020- 2021, 1,460 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in S.C., which is slightly lower than the 1,519 diagnosed in 2017-2018.
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Our capital, Columbia ranges in the top 12 in the nation
among large metropolitan areas in the rate of new HIV cases.
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In the Midlands for the twoyear period 2020-2021, 474 people were newly diagnosed with HIV.
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An estimated 40 million people worldwide have died of AIDS since 1981, and an estimated 37 million are living with HIV, making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history.
If you have any questions or need more information, please call Carmen Hampton Julious at (803) 779-7257 to arrange interviews with people knowledgeable about the HIV epidemic and its impact on the community.
