Free HIV Testing (and more) on World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day today commemorates the first diagnosis of the disease on December 1, 1981. Over the past 28 years, millions have died and millions more have been infected with HIV and AIDS—yet millions more are currently alive thanks to treatment. In the past few years, proactive government intervention, dedicated researchers, and individual volunteers have combined to help improve treatment and decrease infection rates.

Locally, the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts has an extensive list of events happening in the area today and this week. Free and confidential HIV testing is available (today and always) through Project TRUST, the MALE Center, Neponset Health Center, Geiger Gibson Community Health Center, Sidney Borum Jr. Community Health Center, Fenway Health, and other locations. There's a daylong conference at UMass Boston. The Zakim will glow red in observance.

Corporate World AIDS Day promos abound: Starbucks will donate 5 cents to the Global Fund for every beverage purchased. NIKE is the latest Project (RED) partner; you can get special red laces (just like Drogba) to support the fight against AIDS. Locally, Bruegger's Bagels will donate $0.50 to the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts for every red ribbon bagel purchased. Basically, there are any number of items you can buy today to give a small amount of money to fight AIDS. Or, you just could donate directly, in amounts greater than 5 or 50 cents (though it costs just 40 cents a day to provide AIDS medication, so anything you can give helps). But ultimately the first step is to get tested and protect yourself. Once you know you're safe, help protect and care for others: through donations, volunteering, raising awareness, or protesting hate.