The AIDS Memorial Quilt in York: His Story. Her Story. Our History.

In celebration of Caring Together’s 15 years and Family First Health’s even-longer commitment treating and preventing HIV/AIDS, we are proud to bring 12 panels from The AIDS Memorial Quilt to be on display from June 23 to 25. We want to pause and remember those we’ve lost and reflect on what more can be done to support healthy and long lives for those diagnosed and prevent transmission whenever possible. We acknowledge that there’s still work to be done and ensure that history will not repeat itself.

Twenty-five years ago, Family First Health saw a national crisis impacting our local community – HIV/AIDS was devastating communities and a local response was necessary. Those initial efforts to do something when so many were doing nothing evolved into what we know today as Caring Together – a partnership between Family First Health and WellSpan Health.

Today, nearly 600 people receive medical care and supportive services through Caring Together’s dedicated team of professionals. Caring Together’s work shows Family First Health’s commitment to getting people access to care when they need it.

HIV/AIDS impacts our community today. In the last year, Family First Health identified 21 new diagnoses. In the last five years, we’ve had 138 diagnoses. Locally, the age group with the highest infection rate is ages 25-29. That falls in line with the fact that in 2013, AIDS was the leading cause of death nationally for those aged 25-34. Awareness and early diagnosis is key. Community health centers like Family First Health play a vital role in helping identify the 1 in 5 Americans living with HIV who are unaware of their infection and get them into high-quality, continuing care.

AIDS Memorial Quilt Events

• The AIDS Memorial Quilt will be displayed at Marketview Arts Dale Brougher Exhibition Hall, 37 W. Philadelphia St., York. It will be open to the public Thursday, June 23 from 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, June 23: Opening reception York’s Central Market from 5 to 9 p.m. Groups will be led to view The AIDS Memorial Quilt on the half-hour. Opening remarks will be at 6 p.m. Light food and beverages will be provided.
• Friday, June 24: Free screening of the movie “Philadelphia” at 7 p.m. at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center.
• Saturday, June 25: Full “Bloom” AIDS – Sponsor and plant your own perennials at the Serenity Garden of Hope at Albermarle Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Free, confidential HIV testing will be available at Marketview Arts.

Family First Health has partnered with York College of Pennsylvania and the IMPACT Arts and Culture Conference to bring this weekend of awareness to York. WellSpan Health and the York County Community Foundation provided funding to make it possible.

For more information, contact Family First Health’s Director of Development Courtney Lewis at 717-801-4808 or email clewis@familyfirsthealth.org.