As part of World AIDS Day Portland 2009, the staffs of Cascade AIDS Project, the HIV Day Center, the Multnomah HIV Clinic, Our House of Portland, and Partnership Project will meet at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, December 1 — at CAP’s Men’s Wellness Center (209 SW Fourth Ave.) for a candlelight march. The procession steps off at 4:45 p.m., heading through the heart of downtown to City Hall for a 5 p.m. reception, hosted by West Cafe, with Mayor Sam Adams.

More than 100 individuals had confirmed their participation as of last week — hundreds more are hoped for.

Today’s many activities mark the 21st Annual World AIDS Day. As CAP Executive Director Michael Kaplan says, “While I am thrilled for the increased attention to HIV in developing countries over the last decade, we must never forget that we’ve lost 600,000 of our fellow citizens right here in the U.S. and that another 1.1 million of us are living with HIV.”

All are invited, “men and women, gay and straight, people of color and all of the diverse populations affected.” Bring yourself and friends, colleagues and family — march organizers will provide the candles.

Over 40 local events are planned for World AIDS Day Portland. Get involved.