ST. LOUIS – Vivent Health, in partnership with the mayor’s office and a broad coalition of community-based organizations, invites St. Louis communities to join them in observing World AIDS Day on Monday, December 1. They are hosting a march, rally and more powerful events dedicated to remembrance, advocacy, and a renewed commitment to a world without HIV.
“Unity matters, and so does the truth. HIV is still impacting lives in 2025, and we need our community and our elected leaders to recognize that reality and recommit to the fight. Our health, safety, and future depend on it,” said Jordan Braxton, Community Empowerment Manager for Vivent Health.
The urgency for renewed action is heightened due to millions of dollars in recent proposed cuts to HIV research and treatment nationwide, leading the committee to infuse the programming with drama and symbolism to strike a tone that resonates throughout the year.
This year’s observation marks the formal kickoff of Vivent Health’s 40th Anniversary. The year-long recognition will honor its roots as the St. Louis Effort for AIDS and recognize Vivent Health’s legacy of being relentless in the fight against HIV with special programming, storytelling, and community engagement reflecting four decades of care, advocacy, and activism throughout 2026.
The Crisis Is Not Over: A Call to Action at City Hall
The programming kicks off with a March for Awareness at Kiener Plaza (500 Chestnut St, St. Louis) at 11:30 a.m. At 12 p.m., organizers will lead the half-mile march to City Hall (1200 Market St, St. Louis) for a Rally and Call to Action in the rotunda. The program, which begins at 12:30 p.m., includes remarks from elected officials—including Mayor Cara Spencer—community leaders, and advocates.
Participants are encouraged to wear red to represent the iconic red AIDS Awareness ribbon, which symbolizes solidarity and support for people living with HIV and challenges the stigma and prejudice surrounding AIDS.
Advocacy, Art, and Awards
An evening service at the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis (7423 Michigan Ave, St. Louis) offers a somber yet celebratory reflection on the past, present, and future of the movement at 6 p.m. Programming includes:
- The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence performance of the Veil of Shame ceremony to honor those who have died and those who continue to live courageously with HIV
- Readings from key pieces of literature that address the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic
- A panel discussion with Vivent Health’s Dr. Brendan De Marco and Missouri Foundation for Health’s Nancy Kelly
- The Red Ribbon Awards presentation that will recognize outstanding community leadership
The service will be live streamed.
Vivent Health is grateful for the collaboration of their World AIDS Day coalition partners in planning this year’s St. Louis observation: Black Pride STL, City of St. Louis Department of Health, Community Wellness Project, Doorways, Four City Sisters, HIV Justice Coalition, The Mayor’s Office of the City of St. Louis, Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis, Midwest Development Center for AIDS Research, Novus Healthcare, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Washington University, Williams & Associates, WPT Cares, and multiple community-based health organizations.