[Archived] City of Alexandria Supports “Getting to Zero” and Recognizes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

For Immediate Release: February 14, 2019

In recognition of Black History Month and National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and to increase awareness about the “Getting to Zero Alexandria” campaign, the City of Alexandria will host a free screening of “Thicker Than Blood” on Thursday, February 28, at the Lee Center (1108 Jefferson St.). Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the 80-minute film will start promptly at 7 p.m. Attendees are asked to register online.

“Thicker than Blood” tells the story of Jordan, the youngest of two sons, who returns home for the first time in three years to celebrate his brother's promotion. During what is supposed to be a joyous afternoon, secrets are revealed and masks uncovered. A once tight-knit family must pick up the pieces and put them back together before losing each other forever.

This event will highlight the stigma and challenges of living with HIV today, while increasing awareness about the barriers faced by HIV+ and LGBTQ community members. This screening is free and open to the public. Facilitators will lead a discussion immediately following the movie.

February 7 marked National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, aimed at increasing education, testing, community involvement and treatment in response to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in African American communities. “Getting to Zero Alexandria” is a citywide initiative aimed at achieving Zero Infections | Zero HIV Deaths | Zero Stigma. Funded by a grant from Virginia Department of Health, the program offers free HIV testing clinics, encourages universal HIV testing, helps reduce risky behavior, and supports those who learn they are HIV+.

This event is co-sponsored by the Alexandria Health Department; Getting to Zero Alexandria; the Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS, the Gay Men's Health Collaborative; and Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. - Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter. Light refreshments will be served before the film, and free HIV testing will be available on-site.

To register for the film screening or to learn more about Getting to Zero Alexandria or free HIV/STI testing services, visit alexandriava.gov/Health.

For media inquiries, contact Raashi Rastogi, Alexandria Health Department Communications Officer, at raashi.rastogi@vdh.virginia.gov or 703.746.4835.

For reasonable disability accommodation, email raashi.rastogi@vdh.virginia.gov or call 703.746.4934, Virginia Relay 711.