For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 20, 2014
Contact: Stefany Strong, PIO, 386-274-0838

2014 World AIDS Day Events Planned for Volusia County

DAYTONA BEACH – There are a number of events planned for World AIDS Day in Volusia County. This year’s World AIDS Day theme is “Focus, Partner, and Achieve: an AIDS-free Generation.”

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.

The following World AIDS Day events are scheduled for Volusia County:

What: Free HIV Testing
When: Monday, December 1, 2014
Time: 9 a.m.
Where: Stetson University, 421 N. Woodland Blvd. DeLand, Florida 32723
Additional Info: Stewart Marchman’s Prevention on the Move is providing free HIV testing for Stetson University students, faculty and staff.

What: Prayer Service and Candlelight Vigil
When: Monday, December 1, 2014
Time: 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church,1014 N. Halifax Avenue, Daytona Beach 32118
Additional Info: Candlelight Vigil starts at 6 p.m. There will be a walk to Colin’s Park where Pastor Pete Keirstead from Family Church will lead a Remembrance Service for those whose memories live on in the fight against HIV/AIDS. At 7 p.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church Father Phil Egitto will lead the annual interfaith Prayer Service. It is followed by a reception in the chapel sponsored by VITAS.

What: Celebrating World AIDS Day
When: Thursday, December 4, 2014
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Pettis Park, 800 Mary Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Additional Info: Come out and enjoy music, gripping speakers, HIV Testing, food and fellowship. Sponsored by the City of New Smyrna Beach

What: Free HIV Testing
When: Saturday, December 6, 2014
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 500 E. Voorhis Ave, DeLand, Florida 32724.
Additional Info: Sponsored by the Joel Lawrence Foundation.

For more information about World AIDS Day, please visit www.worldaidsday.org.