The annual observance lands on the anniversary of the first reported cases of what became known as AIDS.
June 5, 2025 – Cleveland – For the first time in history, the City of Cleveland recognizes June 5 as HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day (HLTSAD), honoring long-term survivors of HIV and raising awareness about their needs, health issues, and journeys. The annual observance lands on the anniversary of the first reported cases of what became known as AIDS.
“An official recognition of HIV Long-Term Survivors Day in Cleveland has been a long time coming,” said Lita-Marie Wills, Commissioner of Health Equity & Social Justice. “The collaboration of City of Cleveland, community partners, and several long-term survivors has set the stage for a meaningful acknowledgement of the care, compassion and dedication of so many in our community.”
HIV long-term survivors include people who have lived with HIV for 10 years or longer, people who have lived with HIV since birth or young children, and people who were diagnosed with HIV before the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 1996.
“Today is a melancholy day. We are remembering those who have gone before us, and honoring the achievements of all long-term survivors living with AIDS and HIV,” said Robert Toth, community activist and principal member of Cleveland’s HLTSAD. “As a senior citizen and a 36-year survivor living with AIDS, I will continue to remember those who have gone before us, in every way I can, how I can, where I can, when I can, until I can't. What else is there?”
It is this philosophy that ultimately brought this commemoration to the City of Cleveland. Toth began the conversations and work to recognize this day, making Cleveland one of the few cities in the country to officially commemorate the day.
City officials and community activists will come together on Thursday, June 5, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for an inaugural commemoration event at the City Hall Rotunda, located at 601 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland. This event is free and open to the public—all are welcome to attend.
