SOLANO AIDS COALITION STILL BRINGS AWARENESS
Many community leaders including Mario Saucedo educate community on National AIDS Day
It's been 41 years since the first cases of AIDS were reported, but the topic was still a strong one Saturday at the Immersive Learning Center for a World AIDS Day event in Vallejo.
Speakers, musicians, dancers and public officials came together on behalf of the Solano AIDS Coalition to help spread awareness of the disease that has claimed the lives of more than 40 million people. Members of the Vallejo Fire Department also showed up to listen and learn.
Solano AIDS Coalition Executive Director Mario Saucedo got a little reflective and emotional when speaking about what the day means to him personally.
“To me, it's my life,” Saucedo said, fighting tears. “I moved to Solano County 20 years ago and I saw that it was in need of HIV education. I worked in Hollywood for so many years being a special effects artist. I moved to the United States in 1987 and all of my friends left and right they were dying. And it tore up my heart.
“We need to keep educating the community because HIV 40 years ago and it's surprising to me that the rates of HIV are increasing,” Saucedo said. “We have so many HIV infections. We don't talk about it anymore. We don't talk about prevention anymore. We at the Solano AIDS Coalition work entirely every day with no funding. Basically with no funding, we are doing the work of a multi-million dollar cooperation.”
The event featured a number of singers, including Jasmine Robinson, who sang two songs, including a stellar version of Adele's “Chasing Pavements.” Robinson also spoke about educating more people about the disease.
“Every single person here today is fighting,” Robinson said. “Because we're all survivors who are banding together
to join a cause to fight for something very, very, very, vital.”
Also speaking on Saturday was Desiree Miranda, the new Senior Health Education Specialist with Solano County Public Health.
“I'm not only honored to speak today on behalf of Solano County Public Health today, but also as a community member of Vallejo,” Miranda said. “I'm glad to be partnering with not only Mario but also community leaders here in the county. We have Club Stride, we have Solano Pride Center, some of our great community members that are continuing to advocate for those who are disproportionately impacted by AIDS and HIV. What really makes Mario and Solano AIDS Coalition unique and stand out from the rest of everyone else is not only the relationships he's built with many people here, but his innovative team and his innovation and creativity to use the power of the arts to educate and bring more awareness to the issue.”
Saucedo said events like the one that was being held Saturday are vital. Approximately 650 000 died from AIDS in 2021.
“I want to invite everyone to talk about it,” Saucedo said. “That's the main thing — talk about it. Assist and attend programs like this. And help. Donate to the Solano AIDS Coalition. We are the only organization that is working with HIV in the community. I want everyone to remember that your brother, sister, your uncle, your mom, your dad, anyone can get it. HIV respects nobody. Talk about this and stop the spread.”