New Yorkers Reflect & Look Forward On World AIDS Day
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- People gathered at Woodhill Hospital in Brooklyn on Wednesday to mark World AIDS Day by reflecting, remembering and looking forward.
This year, the theme of the day is "End Inequalities, End AIDS."
"Today, we pause to celebrate those who have championed the cause ... remember those who have passed away, celebrate with individuals who are with us today leading healthy lives ... and we thank the researchers and medical professionals who make today possible," said Michelle Hernandez, director of public affairs for Woodhull Hospital.
In 1993, Woodhill Hospital became the first New York City Health + Hospitals facility to be designated an AIDS center.
In Greenwich Village, dozens of people gathered at the New York City AIDS Memorial Park. The event started with poetry reading followed by a candlelight vigil.
"New York State's trying to end the epidemic by 2030, and I think that that can happen if we keep doing the work that we're doing, but we need to have funding for education for our communities, for our families," Brooklyn resident Connie Dukes said.
The AIDS memorial honors the more than 100,000 New Yorkers who died of AIDS.