Organizers Host Orlando Event to Educate Community on HIV, Aiming to End the Epidemic
ORLANDO, Fla. – A sizable audience gathered together with the shared intention of achieving meaningful outcomes as various local non-profit organizations collaborated to provide community resources, fostering an ongoing dialogue surrounding the imperative need to eradicate the stigma associated with the HIV epidemic.
In a heartening gesture, Andres Acosta Ardila, the esteemed education program specialist for the onePULSE foundation, assured Andres, who was grappling with the effects of HIV, by saying, “It’s okay, Andres, you’re going to be okay.” Ardila collaborated with actors from Descolonizarte Teatro to vividly portray the stories of individuals living with HIV, skillfully interweaving both English and Spanish narratives.
Last Friday, onePULSE, in conjunction with local non-profits and organizations, united their efforts to make significant strides on Zero HIV Stigma Day, diligently working towards the common objective of eliminating the pervasive stigma surrounding HIV.
Ardila emphatically asserted, “First and foremost, it is evident that certain policies have had an adverse impact on individuals living with HIV.” Notably, Ardila highlighted that Central Florida currently holds the disconcerting distinction of ranking third in terms of new HIV cases.
According to AIDSvu, a prominent HIV monitoring organization utilizing data from the CDC, a staggering 13,000 individuals were diagnosed with HIV in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties as of 2020. These alarming numbers emphasize the critical importance of raising awareness and combating the HIV crisis.
Andres ardently emphasized the necessity for heightened attention to this critical issue, stating, “Compared to other states, our access to PREP is significantly limited here.” He further expounded on two additional factors contributing to the persisting HIV stigma in Southern states, namely individuals’ reluctance to undergo testing and seek medical care.
Amidst the emotionally charged narrative, a poignant moment of remembrance ensued as a ceremonial quilt was solemnly presented. This symbolic gesture aimed to honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the early AIDS epidemic. Gabriella Rodriguez, the executive director of QLatinx and a distinguished panelist, eloquently conveyed the significance of this ritual, explaining, “There is an astounding assemblage of 50 tons of memorial quilts commemorating individuals who have tragically succumbed to the epidemic. The intent is to lay them out in Washington, forming an awe-inspiring artistic masterpiece.”
Prominent organizers and passionate advocates assert that one does not necessarily need to physically attend events of this nature to contribute to the invaluable effort of eradicating stigmas. They maintain that the initial step starts with self-education, followed by the cultivation of empathy and understanding.
Rodriguez expounded, “It is crucial to establish a foundation of trust. By consistently normalizing and promoting awareness, we can successfully bring an end to the HIV epidemic.”
In summary, the collaborative endeavors of local non-profit organizations, coupled with the unwavering dedication of passionate individuals, have demonstrated a strong collective commitment towards shattering the stigma surrounding HIV. By igniting comprehensive education campaigns and fostering empathy, society stands poised to conquer the HIV crisis. Stay informed with the latest headlines and developments by subscribing to Your Florida Daily.
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