Thursday December 1st marked World AIDS Day, as people worldwide joined together to spread awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With our daily work focused on HIV testing services, medical treatment and care and counseling programs in Orange County, this cause is significant for everyone at Radiant Health Centers. We also observed the occasion with our own event, joining together to remember the people who lost their lives to the disease.
Radiant Health Centers’ World AIDS Day 2022 Event
The Radiant Health Centers’ World AIDS Day event took place at The 5th Rooftop in Anaheim, Ca. Guests were treated to cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and fireworks on a night that will live long in the memory of our participants. But above all else, the gathering was distinguished by the remembrance of the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals and families in Orange County and across the world.
The commemoration of those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS was symbolized by our Remembrance Tree. Guests were given the opportunity to write the name of a loved one they would like to remember on a tag. The tags were then hung on a red crane on the Remembrance Tree. This striking symbol of remembrance will sit in the Radiant Health Centers offices throughout the year.
The Importance of Remembering Loved Ones
As people across the world united in support of World AIDS Day, the opportunity to memorialize loved ones was a key theme. The Remembrance Tree provided a chance to show grief, find healing and inspire others in the fight to end the AIDS epidemic. We encourage others to find a way to commemorate a loved one in a similarly meaningful way.
We also heard stories from guests who lost friends, family members and significant others. People like Fernando Martinez, who was faced with a lack of adequate services and compassion after his diagnosis, found a voice within the Orange County community, and he strives to help others through his story and wisdom.
As Fernando shared in his speech at the event:
COVID taught me how the Latin community can be left out and dismissed when it comes to services. I decided to keep the community connected with phone calls, visits when possible and accessing information for those that were isolated… My goal is to live fearlessly, to stay grounded – and to help grow the community that we have built and see others use it like I have. My dream is to live my life open and free and show others how to live their authentic lives.
To anyone living with HIV in Orange County, make Radiant Health Centers your healthcare home. We would be honored to share our love, compassion and support for you.
Building on the Progress of World AIDS Day
As the end of the year moves closer, we naturally reflect on events from the past. But it’s also important to consider the progress made in the fight against AIDS-related diseases. At Radiant Health Centers, we continue to improve our services, delivering stigma-free, private consultations, HIV Life Skills Workshops – and reliable treatments for many of the most vulnerable individuals in the Orange County community.
Contact Us for LGBTQ+ Medical Care and Social Services in Orange County
Radiant Health Centers is the leading LGBTQ+ healthcare provider in Irvine. For help with STD testing, HIV treatment, counseling and care programs, contact us today. Call (949) 809-5700 for general inquiries.
