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World Aids Day will be celebrated in Asbury Park with a Candlelight Walk and Memorial Service, according to a news release.

This year, events across the globe will be centered on the theme –  HIV stigma is not retro, it’s just wrong, according to the official website.

Launched in 1988 at the height of the AIDS pandemic, World AIDS Day is held annually on Dec 1 with the goal of uniting in the fight against HIV – human immunodeficiency virus. It was the first organized global health day.

HIV was identified in 1984. Since then more than 35 million people have died of HIV or its advanced stage acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Today, there is an estimated 34 million people living with the virus.

Events focus on a show of support and for those living with virus and commemorate those who have died.

The city’s recognition will begin 6:30 p.m. at The Center in Asbury Park on Main Street. The Center is a support agency for those with the virus and their families. The gathering will include hot chocolate and homemade cookies prior to 7 p.m. candlelight walk to Trinity Episcopal Church on Asbury Avenue where a 7:30 p.m. Memorial Service will be held.

The Center’s support programs includes providing a home for 25 people living with HIV/AIDS, emergency placements for the homeless, as well as rental and utility subsidies.

The all volunteer organization also runs a nutrition program that includes an emergency food and nutrition pantry, frozen home cooked meals to go, a daily lunch and monthly Sunday dinners.

The Center provides educational programs, works with the network of providers to connect people with need services and provides transportation to medical appointments and other necessary needs.

For more about The Center, visit their website www.thecenterinap.org.

[Photo courtesy of The Center in Asbury Park]

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