With the Trump administration declining to commemorate World AIDS Day this year, organizations in Riverside County will mark Sunday's 37th annual event highlighting the fight against HIV/AIDS.
DAP Health will commemorate World AIDS Day with a community program and special displays including an AIDS Memorial Quilt Display, which will be exhibited Monday through Friday at DAP Health Sunrise at 1695 North Sunrise Way in Palm Springs, along with a Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Sculpture Model by local artist Phillip K. Smith III.
A community program and candlelight vigil will also be held Monday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at DAP Health Sunrise, and a reception will be held at Blackbook at 315 E. Arenas Road in Palm Springs from 7-8 p.m. with complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
On Tuesday, DAP Health will partner with Philadelphia's Mazzoni Center for a virtual World AIDS Day event via Zoom. Additional information on the events is available at daphealth.org/world-aids-day-at-dap-health-december-1-2025/.
On Tuesday, TruEvolution will host a World AIDS Day Walk in Riverside to honor those affected by HIV, one day after the 37th annual World AIDS Day.
TruEvolution's walk is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, with attendees expected to gather at 3933 Mission Inn Ave., Suite 102. Following the walk, TruEvolution will host an event on its campus at 3839 Brockton Ave. that will include food, festivities, informative talks and performances.
"Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere where community members, advocates, and allies gather to raise awareness, share stories, and celebrate resilience," event organizers said. More information and tickets for the event can be found at eventbrite.com/e/hosted-by-truevolution-world-aids-day-tickets-1975339653077.
In collaboration with Riverside University Health System, TruEvolution will also be offering free flu & jynneos monkeypox and smallpox vaccines at the Brockton Avenue campus from 1-5 p.m. Tuesday. No appointments are necessary.
TruEvolution is based in Riverside and serves the Inland Empire with HIV care, prevention services, behavioral health, therapy, support groups and more.
World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 United Nations World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention, which is recognized each year on Dec. 1. Each year, the Joint Nations Program on HIV/AIDS unites the efforts of agencies, governments, nonprofit organizations, community groups and others around the globe to join a campaign around specific themes related to AIDS.
This year's campaign is "Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response."
Last week, the U.S. State Department directed employees and grant recipients not to use federal dollars to observe World AIDS Day.
"An awareness day is not a strategy. Under the leadership of President Trump, the State Department is working directly with foreign governments to save lives and increase their responsibility and burden sharing," according to a statement from State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott to the New York Times.
"This World AIDS Day reminds us that the fight against HIV is far from over," Terri Ford, chief of global advocacy and policy for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said in a statement. "Millions of people still face barriers to testing, treatment, and ongoing care, while stigma and high drug prices put lifesaving tools out of reach."
"Governments and communities must work together to ensure progress is equitable for everyone living with or affected by HIV," Ford added.
DAP Health will commemorate World AIDS Day with a community program and special displays including an AIDS Memorial Quilt Display which will be exhibited at DAP Health Sunrise located at 1695 North Sunrise Way in Palm Springs and will be on display form Dec. 1 to 5 along with Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Sculpture Model by local artist Phillip K. Smith III.
A community program and candlelight vigil will also be held on Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at DAP Health Sunrise.
A reception will be held at Blackbook located at 315 E. Arenas Rd. in Palm Springs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. with complementary hors d'oeuvres.
On Tuesday DAP Health will partner with Philadelphia's Mazzoni Center for a virtual World AIDS Day event via Zoom. Additional information on the events is available at daphealth.org/world-aids-day-at-dap-health-december-1-2025/