More than 140 guests attended the Nassau-Suffolk HIV Health Services Planning Council’s World AIDS Day gala.
This event was hosted on December 5 by the United Way of Long Island, and the theme was “From Survivors to Advocates: Mobilizing Change, One Voice at a Time.”
This theme highlights the importance of community engagement as a tool to end the HIV epidemic and how individual acts of bravery can inspire others to find their own voice and join the call for change.
Most importantly, it underscores that while a single voice can start a movement, lasting change is only achieved when that voice joins with others to advocate for access to quality HIV care and services, an end to stigma, and a cure.
The event began with a welcome from Theresa Regnante, president and CEO of the United Way of Long Island, followed by remarks from Dr. Gregson Pigott, commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, and an overview of the topic by the committee co-chair.
This was followed by an invocation and a candlelight ceremony. The evening ended with dinner, dancing, raffles, and the presentation of awards to four individuals in recognition of their efforts in healthcare advocacy, outreach and prevention, and providing service and support to people living with HIV.
The 2025 winners are
– Nancy Duncan, president of the Nassau-Suffolk HIV Health Services Planning Council
– Rachel Robles, mental health counselor at Nassau University Medical Center
– Pam Biafora, adherence support worker at Sun River Health, and
– Kerry Thomas, CEO of Thursday’s Child
Additionally, a posthumous award was presented to the family of Juanita Carter Colson in recognition of her legacy of advocacy and service to the community.
Living with HIV/AIDS
On Long Island, about 5,500 people of all ages live with HIV/AIDS, and there are approximately 170 new cases of HIV each year.
With support from the United Way of Long Island, the Nassau-Suffolk HIV Health Services Planning Council provides effective planning for Long Island and promotes the development of HIV/AIDS health services, personnel, and facilities that cost-effectively meet identified health needs, reduce inefficiencies, and address the needs of uninsured and underinsured people with HIV.
For more information, visit: www.longislandpc.org .
Importantly, United Way of Long Island mobilizes communities to take action so everyone can prosper. With deep local roots, United Way understands how communities’ biggest challenges are interconnected and how to bring people and resources together to address them.
United Way creates opportunities for youth, improves health and well-being, ensures a stronger financial future, and strengthens community resilience. It also invests in community partnerships to help our most vulnerable and at-risk residents through organizations and programs that provide access to resources and services throughout the region.
For more information visit their website www.unitedwayli.orgcall 2.1.1 or follow United Way of Long Island news on social media at Facebook, LinkedIn and instagram .
