This year South Florida is hosting the United States Conference on AIDS from September 18 through 21 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. More than 3,000 people from around the nation, its territories, and Native American reservations are gathering to exchange information and learn new skills at more than 200 sessions.

In keeping with this year’s conference theme, “Looking Back, Moving Forward,” the USCA Miami host committee is holding a “Living AIDS Ribbon Ceremony” at the conference’s welcome reception on Thursday, September 18. Participants will wear red T-shirts donated by event cosponsor Southern AIDS Living Quilt and form a red AIDS ribbon as a symbol of unity in the fight against the epidemic.

The living ribbon honors those living with HIV as well as those who work on the front lines of the epidemic every day. It also honors the memory of those lost to AIDS as well as their families and friends.

Tom Liberti, chief of the Florida Bureau of HIV/AIDS and a Southern AIDS Coalition board member, is scheduled to speak during the ceremony. In addition, the Southern AIDS Living Quilt will collect video testimonials from women living with HIV.