Snohomish County hosts World AIDS Day event Dec. 1

Snohomish County will host a World AIDS Day event on December 1, beginning at 4:30 p. m. at the Snohomish County Health Department. Attendees can enjoy refreshments and view displays before local health officials give speeches. At 5:30 p.

m. , participants will walk to the newly restored AIDS Memorial, where County Executive Dave Somers will address the crowd. The memorial marks its 20th anniversary, a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. Since the first reported cases in the county in the 1980s, significant medical advancements have made HIV a manageable condition. The event seeks to honor those lost to AIDS-related illnesses while fostering community awareness and reducing stigma around HIV.

More than 40 million people have died from AIDS-related causes worldwide, underscoring the importance of prevention and education. Community partners, including Everett Pride and Lifelong, co-sponsor the event to promote solidarity and support for those living with HIV.