City of St. Louis Department of Health Recognizes World AIDS Day 2023

This event reminds us of the struggle to end HIV-related stigma, honors those lost, and rallies to commit to working toward ending the HIV epidemic.

November 29, 2023 | 2 min reading time

Friday marks 35 years of work to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, as the City of St. Louis Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognize World AIDS Day. First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day is a day to join forces in the work to understand the impact of HIV and remember those lost to AIDS-related illnesses.

This year’s theme is “Remember and Commit.” It encourages people to remember the disparities and inequities that continue to create barriers to HIV testing, prevention services, and HIV care. It then calls us to commit to continuing the work of centering equity as we work toward ending the HIV epidemic.

The Department of Health continues to center equity as it works to ensure HIV testing services are available at no cost and are accessible throughout the St. Louis region. Partnerships with local organizations help to strengthen the work and expand quality services to the most vulnerable populations. Today, community members can order their own HIV test kit at www.takemehome.com. Through self-testing programs, the Department of Health and its partners have distributed over 1,307 at-home test kits across the St. Louis region. Residents can also stop at the department’s Health Stop at 1520 Market or visit a local community partner to access free HIV testing.

In addition to testing programs, the department’s staff works tirelessly to ensure persons living with HIV have linkage to care, medical services, and other supportive services. The department also works together with community partners to reduce barriers to accessing those services and others to enhance the lives of people living with HIV.

In observance of this year’s World AIDS Day, the Department of Health invites you to participate in regional events and celebrations across the city.

  • The Health Stop Testing and Referral Center – November 30, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. & December 1, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. – The City of St. Louis Department of Health will be tabling and offering free testing at The Health Stop at 1520 Market Street.
  • World AIDS Day Kickoff Event – In collaboration with Black Pride STL, WPT, Affinia Healthcare, and ViiV Healthcare, The Community Wellness Project will host a World AIDS Day Kickoff Event at MX Movies and Bar on November 30, 2023. The Red Carpet Renaissance Gala begins at 5:30 p.m. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. The movie screening will start at 7:45 p.m. Please contact the CWP team to get your ticket today at (314) 421-9600!
  • Day With[out] Art: at the Contemporary Art Museum- December 1, 6:30- 9:00 p.m. - On this special First Friday, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis is proud to partner with Visual AIDS, Project ARK, and Vivent Health for Day With(out) Art 2023, presented on the 35th occasion of World AIDS Day. For more information, contact Michelle Dezember at mdezember@camstl.org. (Free HIV Testing will be provided on-site)

Related Stories

  1. Department of Health Recommends Masking in Public after Respiratory Illness Data Shows Significant Increase Jan 04, 2024: The rapidly rising number of reported cases and hospitalizations suggests more precautions are necessary to avoid strain on the healthcare system.
  2. Learn about Trauma-Related Resources Through the City of St. Louis Department of Health’s First Instagram Live Dec 18, 2023: Tuesday's conversation will share ways to volunteer, access training and self-care kits, and support those faced with trauma-related issues.
  3. Health Advisory: Increased Incidence of HIV and Syphilis Co-Infection Among Missourians of Child-Bearing Potential Nov 02, 2023: From 2020 through 2022, there were 56 cases of congenital syphilis reported in St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis.

Related Services

  1. Apply for Temporary Food Permits Instructions on how to apply for temporary food permits in the City of St. Louis
  2. Health Stop Testing and Referral Center Sexual health testing and referral services available four days a week at no cost.
  3. Obtain Medical Records Process for obtaining medical records from the Department of Health.
  4. Child Lead Screening Services Information on how to request and obtain lead screening services for children six and under
  5. Functional Needs Registry The Functional Needs Registry is a database containing information about individuals residing in the City of St. Louis who may require assistance in the event of an emergency.

Was this page helpful?      



Comments are helpful!
500 character limit

Feedback is anonymous.