In recognition of World AIDS Day, Compass displays the largest collection of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in Florida. Each year, a ceremony is hosted on December 1st which includes the quilt display, a candlelight vigil, induction, and guest speakers.

Two week’s worth of community events coincide with local organizations to engage the community in becoming a part of a global impact to end AIDS. In an effort to work closer with national and local initiatives to provide Palm Beach County with resources, Compass’ World AIDS Day promotes awareness about HIV and how to live a stronger and healthier life.

World AIDS Day serves as a platform to increase awareness of the AIDS pandemic and to inspire positive action through education, testing, and standing in solidarity with those affected by the virus. HIV/AIDS  has had a major impact locally and globally:

• 35 Million people worldwide are currently living with HIV/AIDS
• Over 1.2 Million people in the U.S. are living with HIV
  almost 1 in 8 are unaware of their infection
• 8,208 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS in Palm Beach County
• 4,800 New cases in Florida in 2017 (3rd highest in the nation)
• The rate of Black Females living with HIV is 24.4 times that of white females!