Howard Brown Health hosts annual World AIDS Day Commemoration, Legacy and Liberation
In recognition of World AIDS Day, Howard Brown Health, the Midwest’s leading health center dedicated to inclusive care, hosted its annual World AIDS Day commemoration, Legacy & Liberation II, on Sunday, December 7 at Gallery Guichard. The event brought together community members, LGBTQ+ advocates, healthcare leaders, and longtime HIV activists to honor the legacy of the HIV/AIDS movement and recommit to advancing prevention, treatment, and equitable access to care.
The free event, hosted in partnership with Life Is Work, featured a fireside chat with Dr. Travis Gayles (Howard Brown Health), Carl Baloney Jr. (AIDS United), and R. Wayne Woodson (NAESM Inc.). The conversation explored the legacy of HIV/AIDS activism in Black and LGBTQ+ communities, current barriers and policy shifts that impact care and prevention, and the role of healthcare providers and community organizations in ending the HIV epidemic. Attendees also experienced live performances and the presentation of three Legacy & Liberation Awards honoring Jerry Berry (The Reunion Project), NMAC’s Elevate Training Program, and HIV advocates Chatrivia and Curtis Nugin for their leadership and advocacy in the HIV/AIDS community.
“World AIDS Day is both a moment of reflection and a call to action,” said Dr. Travis Gayles, CEO of Howard Brown Health. “We honor the legacy of those we’ve lost, celebrate the resilience of survivors, and recommit to closing the gaps that still stand in the way of prevention, treatment, and true health equity. Events like this remind us that our progress is rooted in community, and our future depends on ensuring every person has access to the care and resources they need.”
As part of its commitment to expanding access to prevention tools, Howard Brown Health provided free HIV screening, consultations, and its first-ever rapid start to PrEP station at the event, allowing attendees to test and begin PrEP the same day. The station served as a key addition to the organization’s ongoing work to break down barriers to timely, affirming HIV prevention and care.
