The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) invites community members to a special World AIDS Day commemoration event that will take place on December 5th, from 7 to 9 PM, at the organization’s Somerville office, located at 92 Union Square.
The health and social services organization is planning a multimedia exhibit highlighting the evolution of HIV/ Sexually Transmitted Infections outreach and prevention efforts, and the shift in messaging over the last decade. Local visual artists Margarette Mattos and Ricardo Rodrigues will exhibit some of their work, and entertainment will be provided by local musician David Ramos.
On December 4th, MAPS Community Health Workers will also take part in City of Lowell’s World AIDS Day event to be held at Lowell Community Health Center, from 5 to 8 pm, at 161 Jackson Street, Lowell.
“By highlighting the progress that has been made in the fight against HIV over the last decade, we want to reinforce the message in our communities that AIDS is no longer a death sentence,” said Magna Krieger, Interim Program Manager of the MAPS HIV/ STI Services. “HIV positive people now have access to medication that allows them to live long, healthy lives. On the preventions side, medication like PrEP, when taken consistently, can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading, especially when combined with traditional prevention methods like condoms.”
Throughout the year, MAPS hosts free health clinics on a weekly basis out of its offices, and plans can be made to provide tests and information to groups or individuals outside of MAPS’ offices. The program is funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and the MA Dept. of Public Health.