On behalf of World AIDS Day, Health Services will host APAIT on campus to provide students with free rapid HIV testing on Friday, Dec. 1.

APAIT is a nonprofit organization focused on HIV/AIDS education, support and testing in the community.

One of their main services is providing free HIV testing to different community organizations in Southern California.

“Each year, Health Services hosts an awareness day and invite different organizations on to campus to provide resources and education to students,” Kelly Salazar, Health Education Coordinator, said.

Around 36.7 million people around the world have the virus and more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making the disease one of the most destructive in history.

On Thursday, Nov. 30, Health Services will hold their awareness day event.

According to Salazar, organizations like Planned Parenthood, LGBT Center OC and Shanti OC will be on campus.

This week, four panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be displayed at the library.

The quilt is a powerful visual reminder of the prevalence of AIDS and a way to make people understand the devastating impact of the disease.

The quilt symbolizes hope and remembrance. It pays a tribute to people who have died of AIDS and is sewn together by friends, lovers and family members.

“World AIDS Day is a day for people worldwide to educate themselves and others about HIV, show support to those affected by HIV and AIDs and ultimately raise awareness,” Salazar said.