The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will be taking part in World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 as a way to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and to honor those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. World AIDS Day first began on Dec. 1, 1988.

The health department offers free anonymous or confidential testing daily at 805B Newtown Circle. Hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2010 is “Universal Access and Human Rights” to remind people that HIV has not gone away and that there are many things yet to be done. Global leaders have pledged to work toward universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognizing these as fundamental human rights. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV/AIDS services, yet a greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal is to be achieved since millions of people continue to become infected each year.

It is estimated there are now 33.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2009, some 2.6 million people became newly infected with HIV and an estimated 1.8 million died from AIDS. Since its discovery in 1981, AIDS has killed over 25 million people worldwide making it one of the most destructive pandemics in recorded history.

There are ways you can help:
• Raise Awareness – wear a red ribbon on Dec. 1 and talk about HIV/AIDS with friends and family;
• Show Support – join friends and family between 5:30 and 6 p.m. at Third Street Stuff, 257 N. Limestone St., and then walk to Phoenix Park for a candlelight vigil.
• Know Your Status – getting tested for HIV and knowing your status can help to stop the spread of the virus. Encourage those you know and love to get tested, too.
• Dine Out – eat at a participating restaurant (see below) on Dec. 1 and AVOL (AIDS Volunteers of Lexington Inc.), will receive a portion of the proceeds. AVOL helps clients in the Lexington area with HIV/AIDS-related services.

Participating restaurants: a la Lucie, Alfalfa Restaurant, Bellini’s Italian Restaurant, Bourbon n’ Toulouse, Buddy’s Bar & Grill, Cuppa: A Tea Café, Le Deauville, The Dish, Doodles, Dudley’s on Short, Good Foods Market & Café, Hanna’s on Lime, Mad Mushroom Pizza, Metropol, Nick Ryan’s, Portofino, Sal’s Chophouse, Saul Good (two locations), The 6 Friends Café, Stella’s Kentucky Deli and Third Street Stuff.