Governor Hochul Announces State Landmarks to be Illuminated in Recognition of World AIDS Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 14 landmarks across New York will be illuminated red on the evening of Friday, December 1, in recognition of World AIDS Day.

“On World AIDS Day, we mourn those we’ve lost to this epidemic,” Governor Hochul said. “We also honor New Yorkers currently fighting this disease – while we’ve made progress in reducing HIV infections across the state, we know there is more work to be done. Today, we are recommitting our efforts to ending this epidemic once and for all.”

Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 1 World AIDS Day in New York State. Leading up to World AIDS Day, Governor Hochul signed legislation to protect individuals living with HIV from discrimination in long term care facilities, building on existing protections established in New York’s Human Rights Law.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “World AIDS Day is a time to reflect on those who were lost to this epidemic far too soon and ensure their memories are not forgotten to future generations. I’m proud of the work that has been done to bring us closer to our goal of ending the epidemic in New York, but we have more to do to find new, innovative ways to eliminate systemic barriers and improve social determinants of health for people living with diagnosed HIV.”

Landmarks to be lit include:

• 1WTC  
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge      
• Kosciuszko Bridge 
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building    
• State Education Building      
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building     
• Empire State Plaza      
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center     
• Niagara Falls     
• Albany International Airport Gateway      
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal      
• Moynihan Train Hall     
• Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park