The Ursuline Sisters Mission presents Celebrating Positive Lives: Sustaining and Accelerating Progress, on Thursday, December 5, 4:15-5:30 p.m. at the Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Road, in Canfield. People with HIV aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving.That’s the message for local and international events marking the 36th World AIDS Day. Members of the media and the public are invited to join the celebration.

While the annual event increases awareness, combats stigma and supports people affected by HIV/AIDS, this year offers an additional perspective that celebrates medical and personal triumphs for people living with HIV.

The itinerary is as follows:

4:15 Doors open, registration begins. A video of area AIDS quilts will play in the center auditorium.
4:30 Brigid Kennedy, president and CEO of Ursuline Sisters Mission, will welcome guests and offer a message of hope. She’ll also recognize the HIV ministry’s surviving founding Sisters: Pauline Dalpe, Nancy Dawson and Kathleen Minchin.
4:40 Local performer Martin Charles Moore will present an original hope-themed rap song.
4:45 Erin Bishop, health commissioner of the Youngstown City Health District, will discuss community resources and optimism for people in care.
4:50 Terry Mitchell, RN, will discuss the importance of knowing facts about HIV and the dangers of stigma, the importance of testing and treatment, and will offer amazing stories of longtime survivors in the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry -- the reasons we have to celebrate!
4:55 Moore will lead the guests in singing the iconic song “Celebrate,” with special lyrics written by Moore.
5:00 Avery Hostetter, Development & Publications Associate for USM, will invite attendees to participate in both our “I pledge to end stigma” photo booth and the creation of a new AIDS quilt – one that honors HIV survivors.
Weather permitting, Vicki Vicars, Ursuline Sisters Associate, will lead a labyrinth walk meditating on hope and gratitude. Our labyrinth will be decorated with red lights that create the red ribbon associated with HIV/AIDS support.

Beginning Dec. 2, USM will place displays of red ribbons at the Ursuline Center and other locations in Mahoning County. Each ribbon symbolizes 25 people with HIV who are thriving in the Mahoning Valley. A Christmas tree themed with the same ratio of ribbons will be on display at the event.