December 1 marks World AIDS Day.  It is an opportunity for people worldwide to reflect upon the tremendous progress which has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to be re-energized for the fight ahead.

That is why it is appropriate that this year’s theme is: The Time to Act is Now

Since 1988, World AIDS Day– the first ever global health day– has been celebrated globally.  Tens of thousands of individuals and community groups from across the globe take part in events and work to raise awareness about HIV in their respective communities.

World AIDS Day is important because it reminds us all that there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

On this World AIDS Day, you can show your support of those living with HIV/AIDS and those working tirelessly to eradicate it by wearing a red ribbon– the symbol of the AIDS fight.  You can also participate in one of these ways:

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• Add a (RED) filter to your Snapchats.  Each time one of these three filters is used on Tuesday, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will donate $3 to the (RED) organization, up to $3 million. According to a (RED) spokeswoman, “$3 can provide 10 days of life-saving HIV/AIDS medicine in sub-Saharan Africa.” Learn more.
  
• Tag your Instagram photos with  #worldaidsday.
• Join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #WAD2015 or #worldaidsday.
• Watch the live White House Event, December 1 at 1:00 pm.  Read more about this important event.
• Locally, World AIDS Day will be celebrated at the Massachusetts State House Nurses Hall, December 1 2:00-4:00pm at the fifth annual A Glimmer of Hope event.  View the Flyer

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