On December 1, World AIDS Day, communities throughout the world will be asked to focus their attention upon the impact which HIV/AIDS has had on individuals, families and communities since its first appearance in the early 1980’s. 

Locally, BASIC NWFL, Inc., will join with other HIV/AIDS service and prevention agencies throughout the nation and the world in reminding the community that the epidemic is far from over and that it continues to take its toll on individuals living within our local communities. This year’s theme for World AIDS Day is “Universal Access and Human Rights”.

This World AIDS Day is a milestone for BASIC NWFL. BASIC NWFL was founded twenty years ago on World AIDS Day and has faithfully served the community since that time and will be here until there is a cure for HIV/AIDS.

On December 1, 2009, BASIC will remember not only those who have died because of HIV/AIDS, but also the many others who have  supported BASIC during the past twenty years of its existence in helping to provide services to persons living with HIV/AIDS as well as to provide prevention activities to decrease the spread of the virus.

BASIC NWFL, Inc will be conducting an open house at its offices at 432 Magnolia Avenue, Panama City, from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M.  and a World AIDS Day candlelight vigil at 6:00 P.M. at McKenzie Park in Panama City.     Everyone in the community is invited to participate in this day of remembrance.

Together we hope to remember those who have died because of this epidemic, renew our common resolve to comfort those who are still affected by HIV/AIDS and support those who care for them, and bring this epidemic to a swift end.

BASIC NWFL, Inc., is a 501 (C ) (3), not for profit organization that serves the  six counties of Area 2A, Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties. BASIC, NWFL, Inc. was established on World AIDS Day in 1989 as a volunteer governed community-based organization.

BASIC’s mission is to aid, assist and comfort those living with HIV/AIDS, and to provide awareness, education and prevention services to those at risk of contracting HIV. More recently, BASIC has expanded its mission.  Currently, it also provides prevention services to those at risk of HIV infection and/or substance abuse.

For additional information contact; Valerie Mincey at 785-1088 ext 121 or Ron Brown at 785-1088 Ext 117.