On December 1, community members, partners, advocates, artists, and supporters gathered for World AIDS Day Miami 2022: Healing Through the Arts—a powerful evening dedicated to remembrance, resilience, and hope.

Man in a bright red tuxedo, speaking confidently at a podium with a microphone. Nighttime rooftop setting, elegant and formal atmosphere. The event provided an opportunity to honor the lives of friends, loved ones, and community members lost to HIV/AIDS while recognizing the remarkable progress made in prevention, treatment, and care. It was also a moment to reaffirm our collective commitment to ending the HIV epidemic and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.

Through art, music, storytelling, and community connection, attendees reflected on the challenges of the past, celebrated the strength of those affected by HIV, and recognized the importance of continuing the work that has transformed countless lives throughout the past four decades.

Celebrating Community Partnerships

The progress made in HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and support services would not be possible without the dedicated organizations, advocates, volunteers, and community leaders who work alongside Care Resource every day. The evening highlighted the vital role that partnerships continue to play in advancing health equity and expanding access to care throughout South Florida.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our event sponsors, including:

Gilead Sciences
ViiV Healthcare
Janssen Therapeutics
Walgreens
Lexi Goza, State Farm Insurance
Jaxson Maximus

We also thank the organizations and individuals who contributed artwork and creative displays that helped bring the evening’s theme to life, including the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood, the World AIDS Museum, and Hotspots Media Group.

Three models in vibrant outfits confidently walk a red carpet runway during a nighttime fashion show. An audience watches, capturing photos. Special appreciation goes to the United Houses of South Florida, including the House of Gorgeous Gucci, the House of Escada, and the House of Milan, as well as the talented performers who made the evening memorable through music and dance.

Honoring Outstanding Service

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Russell Corbett Lifetime Volunteer Award, which recognizes individuals whose long-standing commitment to service has strengthened Care Resource’s impact throughout South Florida. The award honors the legacy of Russell Corbett, a founding member of Health Crisis Network and President of Care Resource’s Board of Directors, whose leadership helps shape the organization’s mission of community engagement and compassionate care.

The 2022 recipient, Walton Green, was recognized for years of extraordinary volunteer service and dedication to supporting Care Resource’s programs, outreach efforts, and community events.

Recognizing Community Impact

A group of smiling women dressed in various shades of red stand on a red carpet with glittery backdrop, conveying a celebratory and joyful mood. The Adrian Mitchell Outstanding Community Partner Award recognizes organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to HIV prevention, testing, education, and linkage to care. Named in honor of Adrian Mitchell, a beloved Care Resource team member who dedicated her career to HIV prevention and community engagement, the award celebrates those helping expand access to services for vulnerable populations.

The 2022 recipients included:

Florida International University’s Healthy Living Program
Miami-Dade Public Library System
Broward Partnership for the Homeless
Women In Distress

These organizations have played an important role in connecting community members to vital HIV prevention and healthcare services.

Looking Toward the Future

A person in an ornate, vintage-style gown holds a red fan with a logo, standing against shimmering silver curtains. The tone is elegant and theatrical. Guests also had the opportunity to tour Care Resource’s new Midtown Miami health center, which reflects the organization’s long-standing vision of providing integrated, person-centered care to the communities it serves. The facility represents nearly four decades of commitment to expanding access to healthcare and addressing the needs of the whole person.

The evening also highlighted plans for The Light Remains Memorial Wall, a space dedicated to honoring loved ones lost to HIV, COVID-19, substance use, and other causes. The memorial serves as a lasting reminder that every life leaves an impact and every memory deserves to be preserved.

Continuing the Fight Against HIV

Man in vivid blue and orange suit poses confidently, holding a large red fan. The background shows a stylish event with seated guests. The story of HIV is one of both loss and remarkable progress. Advances in prevention, testing, treatment, and care have transformed HIV from a once-devastating diagnosis into a manageable condition for many people, helping millions live longer, healthier lives.

While there is still work to be done, events like World AIDS Day Miami remind us that ending the HIV epidemic requires community, compassion, education, and continued collaboration.

Together, we remember. Together, we heal. Together, we move closer to a future free from HIV.prevention efforts, engaging community partners and empowering prevention staff.