Monday, December 1 is World AIDS Day and a new organization in Central Florida is trying to get the word out about the deadly disease.
Orlando is now part of the Impulse Group – a chapter of an International Organization dedicated to the advancement of safe sex awareness, prevention, and practice.
“It may not be a death sentence anymore but it is something that has long term effects on you – your mental health but also your physical health,” said Corey Lyons, president of the Orlando chapter.
Orlando ranks eighth in the nation when it comes to the number of HIV cases. Miami is currently first with other Florida communities such as Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, Lakeland and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater all in the Top 25. “I think it’s surprising. I think it’s something that not everybody realizes," Lyons said. "When you have a discussion and when you say those hard statistics, you see the look on people’s face and they’re, like, 'Orlando?'"
Impulse Group Orlando is only seven weeks old and fully funded by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. That allows the group to branch out into the community by sponsoring events at local bars and clubs and speaking with patrons about the issue, also with the help of social media.
And although the issue and debate of HIV hasn’t been in the forefront as much as it was in the 80’s and 90’s, Lyons said it is no less important, especially educating younger people.
“It still is a battle that needs to be won," Lyons said. "There is no cure. We have medicine that has helped us advance but we’re not there yet. So it’s important to remember that it affects everybody."
There are a number of World AIDS Day events planned on Monday all around Central Florida – including Lake Eola downtown.