By Okon Ekpenyong

On Sunday evening, December 1, 2024, Shades of Red Gala, a program under Equitas Health, celebrated its third World AIDS Day at the Columbus Museum of Art. Earlier that day, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill issued a heartfelt proclamation in recognition of World AIDS Day. During his speech, President Biden emphasized the ongoing challenge of HIV/AIDS, noting that despite significant advancements, over 39 million people worldwide are still affected.

The Shades of Red event brought together over 300 community members to support Equitas Health’s Brothers in Unity program. This program, which focuses on community engagement, prevention, and encouraging those living with HIV to prioritize their health, has been instrumental in addressing the community about the epidemic. Since its inception, Shades of Red has raised over $91,000, intending to reach $100,000 by the night’s end.

The evening was a vibrant celebration of diversity, featuring a fashion show that showcased the unique perspectives of 20 local designers, each inspired by a different shade of red. The event also provided a platform for impactful stories from community members living with HIV and a mesmerizing performance by the dance duo Orlando Zane Hunter, Jr. and Ricarrdo Valentine.

President Biden urged state officials and community leaders to address outdated criminalization laws that punish individuals who unknowingly expose others to HIV. The event honored individuals who excel in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including this year’s Legend Award recipient, Gregory Price, who has made significant strides in raising awareness and support for the cause. 

On the global level, President Biden says that his administration, partnering with various international agencies, continues to help lead the global fight against HIV/AIDs as a way of reducing and preventing its dominance of being a public health threat by 2030. Such initiative is part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which also includes an investment into the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. President Biden also said that the Global Fund is a key player in the fight against these diseases, providing funding and support to countries and communities most affected.

Meanwhile, a gala is not complete without a delightful and delicious food experience that warmly connects attendees to a cause affecting countless local and global families. President Biden strongly echoed this sentiment and emphasized its importance in his earlier proclamation at the White House.

Equitas Health, a beacon of progress, provides comprehensive healthcare services, education, and research programs to address health disparities. In the past year, they have administered over 10,000 HIV tests and witnessed a remarkable 20% increase in patient outcomes. Their commitment to improving health outcomes and overall well-being is further demonstrated through their PrEP care and support groups.

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