This December 1 marks the 21st World AIDS Day, a time to remember those who have passed from the disease, acknowledge those who are living with HIV and AIDS, and spread awareness of its impact around the globe.

This year’s AIDS day subtheme is “Universal Access and Human Rights,” in which global leaders aim to teach prevention of HIV infection and work towards providing care to those in need.

These are critical issues – in the United States alone, every nine-and-a-half minutes someone is infected with HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. AVERT, an international AIDS charity, stated that 58 percent of HIV-positive individuals in developing countries did not receive treatment in 2008.

Many organizations are hoping to raise awareness of HIV this year, as well as to encourage HIV testing by offering extended hours, free testing, and additional testing locations.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is running a “Facing AIDS” campaign and requesting the public to spread the word on AIDS via online social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook, this World AIDS Day.

People are encouraged to download a sign from the AIDS.gov Web site and change their Facebook profile picture to an image of themselves holding the sign on December 1. A suggested example is: “I’m Facing AIDS – someone I love needs care.”

AIDS.gov is also encouraging people to sponsor or attend World AIDS Day events, share HIV testing stories on its Web page, and tweet on Twitter about this day using the hash tag #WAD09.

World AIDS Day was started in 1988 by the World Health Organization. The overall theme – “Stop AIDS. Keep The Promise” – has remained the same since 2005. This theme will continue until 2010.

Events Across the U.S.

California and Florida

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a global organization that provides medication to 22 countries, is conducting free rapid-testing in California and Florida on December 1. Testing will be held at eight locations in California from noon until 7 p.m. Five locations in Florida will also offer testing. Results will be available in about 20 minutes.

Tower Theatre in Sacramento, California will hold a memorial service from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. to honor those who have passed from the disease.

Illinois

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria is hosting the World AIDS Day Red Carpet Event from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Free appetizers will be served, followed by a free showing of the Oscar winning movie Philadelphia.

New York

In Brooklyn, an event will be held at the Coney Island Cathedral. This free event will include food, HIV testing, and raffled prizes. For more information contact Nicole or Eric at 718-333-2067.

An event called Get Talking will be held in Manhattan at the People Lounge from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. This event will encourage dialogue about the efforts of several organizations to combat AIDS globally.

Washington D.C.

The Covenant House will be offering free HIV testing, cupcakes, and a raffle to raise awareness about the effects of HIV on teenagers in the local area. The event will start at 4:30 p.m. and continue until 6:30 p.m.

A World AIDS Day Luncheon will be held at the HRC Equality Center. This event is open to the public and will discuss HIV vaccine research. A free lunch will also be served.

Alabama

In Huntsville, a World AIDS Day Benefit Concert will be held by the AIDS Action Coalition featuring a musical performance by DiscOasis. Admission is $25. Dress in 70s attire. Prizes will be given to the best dressed.

Other

For more information on World AIDS Day Events in your area, visit the World AIDS Day Campaign or the AIDS Beacon Event Calendar.

For more information on HIV testing, visit National HIV and STD Testing Resources. People can also text message their 5-digit zip code to “KNOWIT” (566948) to locate the nearest testing center.