Morris Heights Health Center Commemorates World AIDS Day 2021

BRONX, NEW YORK, December 1, 2021-- Morris Heights Health Center joined the global community in observing World AIDS Day on December 1st. Every year, we commemorate this global health day by remembering the millions who lost their lives from HIV-related illnesses, supporting the 38 million living with the illness and uniting in the global response to HIV. This year’s national theme isEnding the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice-highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration’s strong commitment to ending the HIV epidemic globally by addressing health inequities and ensuring the voices of people with HIV are central in all our work. This year’s observance is significant as it marks 40 years since the first five cases of what later became known as AIDS were officially reported. Despite the progress made over the years, HIV remains a global threat.

In observance of this year’s World AIDS Day, the CARE Prevention Program at MHHC hosted several events that offered both in-person and virtual options for participants. The commemoration kicked off with an educational forum that featured opening remarks from Dr. Enahoro, Medical Director of CARE Services followed by guest speakers, Dr. Bookhardt, Chief Medical Officer and Physician Assistant Julius Nwosu. The event also included a live musical performance. After the performance, staff released balloons into the air across multiple site locations in remembrance of those who lost their battle. The forum concluded with a presentation on PrEP prevention from Gilead Sciences. In addition, staff participated in a “Go Casual for a Cause” fundraising event, contributing a small donation in exchange for wearing jeans to work.

The CARE services department at MHHC has been a leader in providing comprehensive, and compassionate care to people with HIV/AIDS for more than 30 years. Their mission is to improve the lives of those with HIV/AIDS in the Bronx and neighboring communities through excellence in medical and supportive care. As an extension to the CARE department, the CARE Prevention Team was formed to specifically work one-on-one with patients to provide:

• Health Education
• Risk-reduction counseling
• Referral management
• PrEP counseling, and
• Linkage to care, HIV testing, screenings, and treatment.

Currently, there are over 800 patients enrolled in the program. Visit our CARE Prevention Program page to learn more.