In honor of World AIDS Day, APRI held its inaugural Red Scarves Across the River community art event at the Providence Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Providence on December 1. The moving display featured approximately 100 donated red scarves affixed along the bridge and four quilt panels generously lent from Russ and Beth Milham of AIDS Quilt Rhode Island. The scarves, many of which were handmade, and the quilt panels, honored individuals who passed away since the start of the AIDS epidemic and recognized people currently living with HIV. Additionally, the display served as a call to action to raise awareness about HIV and combat HIV stigma. A special thank you goes out to our Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island volunteers who assisted with the event and Plant City, which served as a scarf drop-off location and made delicious red velvet cookies in honor of the event. We’d also like to thank Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and Providence City Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune for attending and showing their support.
