To bring attention to the HIV epidemic, celebrate the life of HIV long-term survivors in Fall River
and raise awareness about success in HIV treatment, SSTAR and SEVEN HILLS Behavioral
Health in partnership with the CITY OF FALL RIVER, CITIZENS FOR CITIZENS, and BRISTOL
COMMUNITY COLLEGE will convene a public even to commemorate World AIDS Day 2019
sponsored by Gilead, Viiv, and 84 Lumber. New HIV infection rates in Massachusetts increased in 2016 for the first time in several years. More than 250 residents of Fall River are living with HIV and approximately 8 new residents are
diagnosed every year.
The event highlights advances in HIV treatment,
including research that shows when HIV positive individuals who are on treatment and obtain an
undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus through sex.
The event includes a flag raising ceremony, an educational presentation with Dr. Karen
Tashima, MD of SSTAR Family Health Center, personal stories from local HIV advocates,
musical performances, and resources. Dinner will be provided. This event is free and open to
the public.
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STANLEY STREET TREATMENT AND RESOURCES (SSTAR) has been a leader in integrated
primary medical and mental health care for substance use treatment in Southeast MA for over
forty years. Since 1989, SSTAR has provided services to People Living With HIV.
For more than 60 years, SEVEN HILLS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (SHBH) has been providing a
path to a process of change through which people improve their overall sense of health and
wellness. We do this by offering a wide array of mental health and substance abuse treatment,
WHAT: World AIDS Day Public Awareness Event
WHEN: Monday, December 2, 2019; 5:30-8:30pm
WHERE: One Government Center, Fall River
WHAT: HIV advocates, clinicians, politicians, and supporters gather with the public to raise
awareness of HIV treatment
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