World Aids Day was marked in several ways in North Bay on Friday.

There was a vigil at the Whitewater Gallery.

There was a proclamation read by the mayor and a moment of silence to remember those who have died from HIV/AIDS.

Dr.. Stacey Mayhall is the executive director of the AIDS Committee of North Bay and area.

She says the focus this year is the health of those who are hiv positive.

“To try to raise awareness of the specific challenges of the individuals who are hiv positive have in terms of their health. Some things that might be included in that are food insecurity and some nutritional challenges.”
She says they’ve come a long way as far as helping people with HIV as the average life expectancy for caucasian men is 67-68 years now.

They also put red scarves around trees and lightposts in the downtown to make people aware of some of the issues.

Mayor Al McDonald says he has attended many vigils like this.

“I think it’s important that we recognize a disease that’s taken so many from us in the arts community and across society. It’s an opportunity for the city of North Bay to show leadership and reduce the stigma when it comes to hiv/AIDS.