Observing World AIDS Day

Twenty-five years after the first reports in 1981 of what became known as HIV/AIDS, we have borne witness to a sad global history of neglect, stigmatization, discrimination, and immeasurable loss. Here in San Francisco, we know all too well the full impact of this pandemic on our community and our psyche, and that oftentimes the fight against HIV/AIDS is slow and frustrating.

Yet, within the last twenty-five years we have also seen the miracle of hope and a greater spirit of camaraderie and love. We have seen whole communities rise up and take it upon themselves to sustain and nurture one another. We have shown how minds can change and bonds can be strengthened. It is through such cherished values of humanity that we have seen the best in ourselves in the midst of such great loss.

San Francisco is home to some of the world’s foremost resources to recognizing and fighting the AIDS pandemic. Our city and community can be very proud of the way that we have come to address this together. I would like to highlight just a few of these rays of hope in our city that work on the front lines on a daily basis.

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation (www.sfaf.org) was one of the very first organizations devoted to those who are impacted by HIV/AIDS, and continues to work every day for the betterment of the community and individuals who need assistance.

The Asian and Pacific Islander Wellness Center (www.apiwellness.org) is the oldest and largest non-profit HIV/AIDS service organization targeting API communities in North America, and has established itself as a leader in its field and an important resource for San Francisco’s API community.

The Stop AIDS Project (www.stopaids.org) had developed a national model for community support, public awareness, HIV prevention, and peer-driven activities to help stave off the numbers of new infections.

The National AIDS Memorial Grove (www.aidsmemorial.org) in Golden Gate Park just celebrated its 15th anniversary, where it serves as a shining oasis of contemplation, memoriam, reflection, and insight into the deeper psychological and emotional aspects of HIV/AIDS.

Our own San Francisco Health Department’s AIDS Office has continued to be a national and worldwide model for public health. Its HIV Research Section is readying our community, through trials and research and scientific study, for the day when we will have a vaccine. Please contact the Department through their website (www.helpfighthiv.org) for ways that you can assist in the fight for our lives and our community.

There are many more wonderful and vibrant community organizations here in San Francisco dedicated to eradicating this disease and supporting those who are suffering from it. As part of this year’s World AIDS Day observance on December 1st, I encourage you to get to know these and other resources. You can find more resources through the Department of Health’s website: http://www.helpfighthiv.org/resources.htm or call 415-554-9000.

The theme for this year’s annual World AIDS Day is “Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise.” This includes an appropriate emphasis on accountability with a direct appeal to governments around the world to ensure they meet the targets they have agreed to in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The international community has committed to reversing the spread of HIV and AIDS by the year 2015. Can that promise be kept? Yes, it can, but only if the needed energy, resources, and funding are dedicated to the effort. San Francisco has clearly shown the world how to lead in this fight.

Remember to get tested and know your HIV status.