The Center’s Ismael Morales sets his own candle amongst the others at the Bluff near Ocean and Junipero. Photo courtesy of The Center.
The celebration commemorating World AIDS Day brought both emotions and excitement about the future, as many attendees spoke candidly of their relationship to HIV/AIDS—be it through their own bodies or those of others—as well as the unveiling of a major partnership between The Center and the C.A.R.E. Program, the Long Beach AIDS Ride (LBAR).
Gathering on the bluff near Ocean and Junipero, a candlelight vigil was held to honor those lost to the epidemic as well as honoring those whose lives are still vividly affected by the virus.
Ismael Morales, The Center’s director for health education and services and organizer of the event, talked about the current state of HIV/AIDS in the Long Beach Community along with personal accounts of his own experience.
“It’s still a challenge, it’s still a fight,” Morales said in his opening remarks before introducing speakers. “It is still something that The Center and the C.A.R.E. program are [focused on working] together to reduce numbers.”
Dr. Marcia Alcouloumre, the medical director of the C.A.R.E. program, addressed the idea of an AIDS-free generation. “The theme of getting to zero—what does that mean? What does that mean for Long Beach?” she asked, having returned from Washington DC after attending a conference addressing HIV/AIDS and getting to zero.
There were three pillars of zero according to Alcouloumre: zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. These three points, essentially bringing more resources to Long Beach, eradicating the stigma still associated with the disease, and turning the disease into a chronic one instead of a deathly one, are the epicenter of generating an AIDS-free generation.
2nd District Councilmember Dr. Suja Lowenthal schoed Alcouloumre’s sentiments, showcasing Long Beach’s resources as well as reminiscing. “We know that we have lost 3,000 people in Long Beach [due to HIV/AIDS], 3,000 of our own. And more than 1,400 are living with HIV,” she said. “In the City of Long Beach, our programs [for HIV/AIDS prevention and health services] are funded by the California Department of Public Health and the Office of AIDS. All funding aside, I know we could not—could not—do any of these programs or even make a dent without the partnership of the Long Beach Center.”
Meanwhile, members of Team Long Beach—which represents some 200 bicyclists—were on hand to help launch the announcement of LBAR, the first AIDS ride dedicated solely to the Long Beach community. LBAR will take place next year and every year following on the Saturday before World AIDS Day, making the inaugural LBAR.
The Center’s Ron Sylvester and C.A.R.E.’s Robert Stohr introduce the Long Beach AIDS Ride.
“The purpose of the ride is simple,” said The Center Board Chair Ron Sylvester. “[It] is a fundraising event produced by and benefitting The Center Long Beach the C.A.R.E. Program. The ride is designed to support local, Long Beach efforts in the areas of education, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS and related illnesses.”
“One community to stand up for our community,” said Robert Stohr, C.A.R.E.’s manager of client services.
Riders who register can partake in a 40 or 70 mile bike route, starting and ending at the same bluff located at Ocean and Junipero.
To register or for more information, please visit the Long Beach AIDS Ride Facebook page, which will get you to the Active.com registration site, or contact the Center at 562-434-4455.