Philadelphia FIGHT has announced the calendar of events for AIDS Education Month 2016, a one-of-a-kind citywide program held annually in June. AIDS Education Month (AEM) is a series of events, conferences and workshops to increase AIDS awareness and exchange the most up-to-date, advanced HIV information. This is the 22nd annual AEM. � This year's Honorary Chair is Pennsylvania's Physician General, Dr. Rachel Levine. Co-chairs are Rebecca Alvarez, Mental Health Counselor, Einstein Healthcare Network's Immunodeficiency Center, and Reverend Jay Broadnax, Pastor, Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church and President of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity. � AEM 2016 Schedule of Events �
Movements for Change June 2, 12-1:30 p.m., William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street. This unique event brings together activists from contemporary social justice movements who use diverse strategies to effect change. This year's theme is Black Trans Lives Matter. �
Jonathan Lax Memorial Lecture, June 7, 6-8 p.m. An annual free scientific lecture on innovations in HIV/AIDS research, treatment, and prevention, held each year in memory of leading AIDS activist Jonathan Lax. Featured Speaker: Dr. James Hoxie, Director of the University of Pennsylvania Center for AIDS Research. This event is invite-only; Media outlets are welcome to cover the event.
Beyond the Walls: Prison Healthcare and Reentry Summit, June 15, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Pennsylvania Convention Center, 13th and Arch Streets. This summit will explore health and reentry challenges facing prisoners who are incarcerated and persons reentering our communities, including HIV, mental health challenges, substance use, housing, employment, mentorship, and educational programs. Over 1000 people are expected to attend and over 40 workshops will be offered. Opening Plenary Speaker: Renowned activist Maxx Boykin is the Community Organizer with AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Manager of the HIV Preventive Justice Alliance. �
Faith Leaders and Community Summit and Annual Gospel Concert, June 18, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Howard Gittis Student Center, Temple University, 1755 N. 13th Street. For the first time ever, we will be combining the Faith Summit and the Annual Gospel Concert. The Faith Summit convenes faith and community leaders in Philadelphia for the purpose of confronting HIV/AIDS and equipping these community leaders with the tools to promote HIV Prevention, testing, and linkage to care in their daily work. This year's Gospel Concert will feature the Stellar Award-winning JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise.
End AIDS: The HIV Prevention and Outreach Summit, June 22, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Pennsylvania Convention Center, 13th and Arch Streets. The�HIV Prevention and Outreach Summit�provides a local forum to present the latest information about and research around evidence-based HIV prevention and outreach strategies and best practices in targeting and connecting to care the most at-risk groups in Philadelphia. Over 1000 people are expected and over 40 workshops will be offered. Opening Plenary Speaker: Dr. Rachel Levine, The state of Pennsylvania's Physician General Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, Assistant Commissioner of the bureau of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control of the NYC Department of Health and Control. Louie A. Ortiz-Fonseca, Creator of the Gran Varones. �
Community Cookout, June 25, 12 p.m.-3 p.m., Fairmount Park, Area #2, 33rd Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue. The annual cookout is a chance to relax, kick back, and enjoy the community that AEM brings together. There will be a speaker jam, DJ, dancing, and games for kids of all ages.
Hip Hop for Philly, June 26, 7-11 p.m. Philadelphia FIGHT and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia seek to motivate 2,000 young people to get tested for HIV by offering a free Hip Hop Concert around National HIV Testing Day. Individuals between the ages of 13 and 24 will receive a ticket if they get a free HIV test at a variety of participating locations throughout the city. Go to www.fight.org/hiphop for more information. �
AEM Partner Events Islamic Health Awareness Day,� June 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Cobbs Creek Park, 63rd and Locust Streets [One Day At A Time (ODAAT) AIDS Vigil, June 16, 4-8 p.m., 2400 block of Lehigh Avenue
CHOP and FIGHT Present the 1st Annual Philly KIKI Awards Ball: Dancing with the Stars, Statements & Legends, June 30, 6-10 p.m., Location TBD
Educational presentations in various communities throughout the city, special events for target populations, and major outreach to encourage all Philadelphians to get tested for HIV also take place during AIDS Education Month. Over 10,000 individuals are directly reached by Philadelphia FIGHT's efforts every June.�
To register for any of the month's events or for more information, please visit www.aidseducationmonth.org or call 215-985-4448 x 200. All AIDS Education Month events are free.
