A Positive Place Celebrates 25 Years of Service with Red Ribbon Dance-a-Thon

NORTHAMPTON — To celebrate 25 years of providing services to people living with HIV and AIDS, A Positive Place is holding a Red Ribbon Dance-a-Thon to honor everyone lost to the disease, celebrate medical advances, and commit to ending AIDS in our lifetime.

The event kicks off at Northampton’s Union Station at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, with mingling and chocolatinis. A short program and an awards ceremony will take place from 6:30 to 7 p.m., where A Positive Place’s Paragon Award will be presented to three physicians — Dr. Joanne Levin, Dr. William Swiggard, and Dr. Robert Weitzman — whose “compassion and commitment to care for people living with HIV/AIDS has been steadfast and inspiring,” said A Positive Place Director Betsy Shally-Jensen.

Following the awards ceremony, live band Johnny and the Flashbacks will play hits from the ’60s and ’70s. Later, DJ Rockin’ Reenie will spin today’s dance hits into the night, and prizes will be awarded for the evening’s best performances.

Tickets cost $25 per person. To purchase tickets, click here or call (413) 586-8288, ext. 5.

Based in downtown Northampton, A Positive Place has helped provide medical and social case management and assistance applying for government benefits, health insurance, and drug reimbursement since 1991. It also engages in advocacy for housing searches, support and subsidies, plus rental and utilities assistance, as well as HIV education, prevention, and risk reduction. On its most personal level, it also offers peer navigation, recovery support, and coaching, as well as crisis management; medical transportation; referral to treatment, legal, dental, counseling, and other resources, and also helps secure emergency food assistance.