Rainbow Town Hall: The History and Future of HIV/AIDS in Hawaii

Join us Thursday, June 17th at 6pm for our next Rainbow Town Hall, an important discussion about the history and future of HIV/AIDS in Hawaii. Physicians, health care workers and community activists will explore what HIV/AIDS has taught us over the years about addressing social and economic inequalities, and creating effective responses to ongoing and future health crises.

Panelists will include: pioneering HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ activist and philanthropist Dr. David McEwan; Community Liaison Nurse Raymond Alejo (HHHRC), HIV Community Advocate Keleka Kaneaiakala (State of Hawaii Department of Human Services); Keiva Lei Cadena (Prevention Program Manager, Hawaii Island HIV/AIDS Foundation); and family practitioner and AIDS/HIV specialist Dr. Jennifer Frank. HHHRC’s LGBT Program and Training Manager Kunane Dreier will moderate the discussion.

This month marks the 30th Anniversary of the first AIDS Walk in Hawaii, as well as the 40th anniversary of Dr. David McEwan diagnosing the first AIDS case on the islands. The AIDS epidemic in the 1980s left the LGBTQ+ community with few allies and even fewer options on how to stem its tide. Through the foresight and perseverance of medical practitioners and community activists like Dr. McEwan, HIV/AIDS is now a preventable and treatable disease.

Although advancements have been made, the spread of HIV/AIDS is still a very real problem for our community; and awareness is key. Find out what our future looks like in Hawaii as we continue to battle HIV/AIDS; and in the process, you’ll discover a rich and diverse history that has led us to where we are today.

This event is free, but registration is required. Click here.