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Lake County, Ill. — Each year, in December, we commemorate World AIDS Day. This important awareness day is a time to reflect on and celebrate the global progress in the HIV/AIDS journey, recognize the challenges remaining, and honor the lives lost. On this day, we also renew our commitment to supporting the well-being of those living with HIV, as well as those at risk for infection.
“The Health Department provides comprehensive care and prevention services to meet the needs of people throughout Lake County,” said Executive Director Christopher Hoff. “We are here to help individuals know their status, access the care and resources they need, and support a healthier community.”
This year the community will have two opportunities to celebrate and honor World AIDS Day:
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Support Without Silence: A Community Exhibition and Reception – Saturday, November 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 N. Green Bay Road, North Chicago.
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World AIDS Day: Candlelight and Ceremony– Tuesday, December 1, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Waukegan and Friends, 210 North Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Waukegan, IL, 60085
“In 2025, over 90% of our clients living with HIV were able to suppress the virus,” said Valerie Johansen. STI Program Coordinator at the Lake County Health Department. “While we are proud of the continued successes in treatment and prevention that have been made over the decades, there is still important work to be done to end new HIV transmissions and fight the stigma continuing to surround HIV/AIDS."
Support Without Silence: A Community Exhibition and Reception (November 14)
The Lake County Health Department will host its annual World AIDS Day event from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 14, at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 N. Green Bay Road, North Chicago. The free event will feature a drag performance by Lola Madison; live music entertainment; dinner: a community resource fair; a panel discussion with representatives from mental health, legal services, and immigrant advocacy; and much more.
The theme for this year’s event is “Support Without Silence”, creating a space for open conversations about HIV, mental health, and community support. The theme emphasizes the importance of breaking down stigma, encourages open dialogue, and ensures individuals feel supported and connected to all services and resources available to them. It also reminds community members that no one has to navigate these challenges alone.
All are encouraged to attend and show their support and stand against HIV stigma and discrimination. To RSVP or for more information, please call the Health Department’s Need2Know program at (847) 377-8450.
World AIDS Day (December 1)
On December 1, Waukegan Friends will co-host a World AIDS Day event with the Lake County Health Department. This will be an opportunity to come together and honor the lives of those who have passed away. The reception will begin at 7 p.m. with light refreshments, followed by a candle-lighting ceremony at 8 p.m.
To RSVP text (847) 533-0091 or email info@Waukeganfriends.org.
About Lake County Stands Against Stigma
The Lake County Stands Against Stigma Coalition is a collaboration of community members, including Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, LGBTQ+ Center Lake County, Community Partners for Affordable Housing, Gilead, Awaken Culture, WAUKEGAN FRIENDS, HACES, ViiV Healthcare, Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, and Ascension Illinois The Harbor. Our community partners and volunteers work together for capacity building, advocacy, and the elimination of HIV-related stigma.
About Need2Know Lake County
The Health Department's Need2Know Lake County program provides comprehensive care and prevention services for at-risk individuals in Lake County. The program provides HIV counseling and testing, 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.
For more information, call: (847) 377-8450 or visit: lakecountyil.gov/need2know.
About Waukegan Friends
Waukegan Friends is a non-profit organization that supports social justice for all, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ population, by building a community that achieves inclusion, fairness and equality.
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