On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Lake County Health Department will host its annual World AIDS Day event from 4-8 p.m. at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 N. Green Bay Rd., in North Chicago, Illinois.
Lake County Health Department Associate Director Sara Zamor said the theme, Without Borders, Without Stigma: Giving Flowers in Life, “focuses on the right that all people have to dignity and respect in healthcare, specifically HIV treatment free of judgement or barriers. ‘Giving someone their flowers’ means lifting a person up, celebrating their impact and recognizing their strength.”
This free event will feature remarks from Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla Professor Alex Ortiz, who will share stories on inequalities and intersectionality, a candle-lighting ceremony, a drag performance by Lola Madison and a dance performance.
Zamor and Lake County Health Department Public Health Nurse Veronica Perez will read the names of the people in the county whose lives have been lost due to complications from HIV.
One of the ways Lake County’s Health Department helps combat diseases like HIV is through its Need2Know STI program which, according to the press release for this event, “provides comprehensive care and prevention services for individuals in Lake County. The program provides HIV counseling, testing and care, clinical services for sexually transmitted infections, treatments to individuals diagnosed with an STI, hepatitis C screenings, syphilis screenings, risk reduction counseling, psycho-social support, health education groups and outreach and surveillance services related to all sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and Hepatitis C.”
Need2Know STI program services are available without parental/guardian consent for anyone ages 12 or older.
Lake County Health Department Need2Know STI Program Coordinator and Getting to Zero Illinois founding member and advisory council member Valerie Johanson said the program “works closely with the HIV community as a Ryan White patient centered health home and provides HIV counseling, testing and care. In 2024, 93 percent of our clients with HIV were able to suppress the virus. While we are proud of the progress that has been made, there is still much to be done to end the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
“The Health Department is proud to play an important role in ending the HIV epidemic through treatment and prevention,” said Lake County Health Department Chris Hoff. “The Lake County community can count on us to provide the care and services people need to stay healthy regardless of immigration status, income or background. We conduct regular outreach to affected populations and work to build and sustain trust with the community so they feel comfortable accessing services like HIV case management and medical care.
“Right now, we have not seen direct funding impacts as a result of federal prioritization. We are aware that this could change in the future and are prepared to adapt if and when needed. Due to other federal directives, such as increased immigration enforcement, vulnerable residents are facing new barriers to accessing care.”
Hoff, Johanson and other Lake County Health Department senior leadership members and program staff will be in attendance.
Event sponsors include the Lake County Health Department, Waukegan Friends, Gilead Sciences, ViiV Healthcare, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy, Awaken Culture, Ascension Illinois Health Housing and Health Alliance—The Harbor, United Way of Lake County, Chicago Workers Collaborative, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Waukegan Alumnae Chapter and the Nu Phi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority.
All attendees are encouraged but not required to RSVP via the Health Department’s Need2Know program number at 847-377-8450.