December 1 marks World AIDS Day. December 1, 2020 was the 40th anniversary of the first known American death due to the AIDS epidemic that continues to impact communities around our country. In order to mark the anniversary and raise awareness about HIV, AIDS Foundation Houston commemorated the date with a fully digital virtual experience. 

AIDS Foundation Houston traditionally organizes two annual community events to continuously raise awareness in Houston. On December 1, 2020, AIDS Foundation Houston launched an extraordinary evening of socially distanced entertainment including performances from powerhouse vocalist and entertainer, Christina Wells, as well as appearances from American drag queen, Shangela, comedian Catherine Cohen, and many more. The virtual event was hosted by Ernie Manouse, host of Town Square on Houston Public Media 88.7FM. In addition, audience members tuned into conversations with NAMES Projects AIDS Memorial Quilt founder, Cleve Jones, and other surprise guests from the Houston area and beyond. 

Tickets for the show were just $5 for virtual event access. HealthMerch and AIDS Foundation Houston partnered together to help enhance and upgrade the virtual experience by offering branded giveaways to participants who purchase tickets at higher levels. These incentive items included a World AIDS Day t-shirt, cotton tote, snap fan, cell phone charging bank and much more!

HealthMerch has worked with dozens of HIV outreach and awareness organizations on campaigns across the country and has dedicated much of its resources to creating turn-key HIV/AIDS, PrEP, and U=U designs to support the fight against HIV/AIDS and create healthier communities across America. HealthMerch provided guidance on design and premium item selection to ensure that every participant receives quality products that help to promote the organization and support the AFH mission by generating awareness about HIV and linking patients to care. Additionally, every ticket sale and donation brings AIDS Foundation Houston closer to ending the epidemic in Houston and surrounding areas by providing essential funding and resources needed to continue their mission and expand their services. Learn more at aidshelp.org.

AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 1982 as Texas’ first organization dedicated to HIV prevention education and services. AIDS Foundation Houston has steadily evolved from a grass-roots community agency to a professionally managed human services organization that provides many services including benefits and resources counseling, case management, housing, and food and nutrition assistance to low-income, HIV+ men, women, and children. HealthMerch is proud to work with AIDS Foundation Houston and many other organizations to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. 

To learn more about AIDS Foundation Houston visit worldaidsdayhouston.org.