By David Litin
Murphy News Service

The Minneapolis City Council passed a resolution Nov. 14 recognizing Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day in Minneapolis.

World AIDs Day is an international day of commemorating those who of died of HIV/AIDs and an opportunity to show support for those living with the disease.

The I-35W Bridge will be lit red in honor of the day.

City Council Member Lisa Goodman (Ward 7) noted that 301 Minnesotans who have died last year after battling the disease.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, over 6,000 Minnesotans have been diagnosed with AIDS since 1982 and estimated that more than 7,000 people in Minnesota are living with the disease. More than 77 percent are male compared to roughly 23 percent female.

World AIDS Day started in 1988 in the United Kingdom when James Bunn and Thomas Netter of the World Health Organization wanted to raise awareness of this issue.

The I-35W Bridge will illuminate red light in honor of the Red Ribbon Ride, an organization focused on raising money for various service providers and educating Minnesotans about HIV/AIDs, said Aaron Zimmerman, community outreach manager of the Red Ribbon Ride.

“Our missions are aligned with the citizens of Minnesota,” he said.

Every year, the Red Ribbon Ride hosts two types of cycling events — a one-day event and a four-day, 300-mile event that travels throughout the state.

The Red Ribbon Ride will be at YWCA locations to talk to gym-goers about the Red Ribbon Ride and World AIDs Day, Zimmerman said.

For now, Zimmerman said the day is focused on raising awareness on the issue.

“It’s more of a day that people come together and commemorate,” he said.