AIDS Day event celebrates scientific progress for HIV prevention

The Silo in New Milford recently held a World AIDS Day event.

A gathering of friends and supporters attended the event on Dec. 4 to celebrate the scientific progress regarding HIV prevention and treatment.

The ceremony included a meditation exercise, personal speeches, an art exhibit and a candlelight reflection.

Producer Brendan Gaul also addressed guests and shared the trailer for the documentary film “5B.” The film tells the story of the nurses, and caregivers, who opened the first AIDS ward at a California hospital in the 1980s.

In addition, Pattie McKnight, who is the executive director of Health Care Advocates International of Stratford, presented The Silo, a donation of $10,000.

The donation matched the donation of the $10,000 that was previously donated by the Stewart B. McKinney Foundation Inc.

The donation will support Survivor to Thriver, a monthly program related to mental health.

The program will begin Jan. 22.

The free one-day workshop will be offered for 25 people each month.

It will be open to all people, especially those who facing stigma, shame, discrimination, and/or lack of hope, as well as those looking for ways to better their lives.

For more information, contact The Silo on Upland Road in New Milford at 860-355-0300, or email info@thesilo.org.

World AIDS Day is Dec. 1.