With Alachua County ranking fourth in Florida with the most cases of sexually transmitted diseases, the annual World AIDS Day celebration is aiming to reverse the statistics.
The celebration will be held tonight at 7 p.m. in the Reitz Union Rion Ballroom.
The event is hosted by the Respect Yourself, Check Yourself, Protect Yourself Movement to raise awareness about the fight against HIV.
“The celebration is a philanthropic event that consists of food and student performances,” said Isis Barnes, a 20-year-old UF biology junior and president of the organization.
Performers are required to incorporate HIV awareness into their performances. But the highlight will be the keynote speaker, she said.
“We aren’t releasing the name of the speaker yet, but she has a powerful story,” Barnes said.
She said the event makes the community aware of the resources the organization offers such as free STD and HIV testing.
“It’s a great way to let people know who we are, what we do and what we stand for,” Barnes said. “It also allows people to become more knowledgeable about STDs and HIV/AIDS while not being afraid to talk about it.”
This year’s philanthropic proceeds will go to Black AIDS Services and Education, an organization that offers information and resources to the Gainesville community, Barnes said.
Allison Hicks, special events director of the organization, said last year the group raised about $200. Hicks said it hopes to raise more than $400 this year.
A version of this story ran on page 4 on 11/19/2013 under the headline "Students to recognize Annual World AIDS tonight at Reitz"
