City of St. Louis Department of Health, Community Partners  Observe World AIDS Day 2022

Thursday, December 1, the City of St. Louis Department of Health, its community partners and public health partners worldwide will observe World AIDS Day. First observed in 1988, seven years after the first AIDS diagnosis, World AIDS Day provides an opportunity to recognize the fight to lessen the impact and ultimately end the HIV epidemic. This year’s theme is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV.” It encourages people to unite globally to eliminate the disparities and inequities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and access to HIV care.

Centering equity in its response to HIV in the St. Louis region, the Department of Health works to ensure HIV testing services are available at no-cost and accessible by building partnerships with local organizations to reach the region’s most vulnerable populations. This includes the availability of at-home HIV test kits, which can be ordered by the community at takemehome.org. These kits are also available at the department’s Health Stop, or by visiting one of our local community partners to access free HIV testing. Since being added in 2021, more than 1,080 at-home test kits have been distributed.

The department and its partners also work to reduce barriers for persons living with HIV by facilitating linkage to care and access to medical, social, and other supportive services. This collective work is vital to ending the HIV epidemic. In observance of World AIDS Day 2022, you are invited to take part in regional events and celebrations across the city.

• The Health Stop Testing and Referral Center
  December 1, 10:00am – 4:30pm
  The City of St. Louis Department of Health offers expanded hours for its no-cost HIV testing and an informational table at The Health Stop Testing and Referral Center also at 1520 Market Street.
• The ART-Dacity To Survive: A Tribute to World AIDS Day 2022
  December 1, 4:00 - 8:00pm
  Williams & Associates will host an open house and art exhibit featuring local community artists. This event will be held at 3030 South Grand Boulevard, Suite 201 (off-street parking available in the rear of the building). Free HIV/STD testing will be provided.
• Day With[out] Art: at the Contemporary Art Museum
  December 1, 6:00- 8:00pm
  Commemorate World AIDS Day with a free video program featuring eight new, short videos commissioned by Visual AIDS highlighting the emotional realities of living with HIV today. This year’s program theme, Being & Belonging, will be accompanied by a special program. Free HIV testing and Monkeypox vaccinations will be provided on-site.
• “Let’s Toast to Testing”
  December 1, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
  Let's talk about the importance of getting tested for HIV. Join us for movies, mocktails, and a special guest speaker, Author Georgia Scott. Register online to attend. Free at-home test kits will be available.
• Santa’s Sweet Revenge World AIDS Day Mini Ball Deluxe
  December 3, 6:00 – 11:00pm
  Community Wellness Project hosts a Vogue Ball at Harris-Stowe State University, 3101 Laclede Ave, St. Louis MO 63103. For more information on the purchase of admission tickets, tables, and the event agenda, please contact: Zebra Price or Montreal Day at (314) 421-9600.

Additional information on World AIDS Day 2022 is available on the Department of Health’s website.