Friends of The Quilt: Strength Unites 2026 – Human Red Ribbon

Friends of The Quilt will bring community members, people with HIV, HIV advocates, healthcare partners, allies, and supporters together for Strength Unites 2026, a public demonstration of unity, remembrance, and commitment to ending HIV stigma. The gathering will culminate in participants forming a Human Red Ribbon at Friendship Fountain, creating a powerful aerial image representing Jacksonville’s continuing commitment to HIV awareness, prevention, treatment, dignity, and community.

WHAT: Strength Unites 2026 – Human Red Ribbon

WHEN: Friday, September 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

BEST MEDIA / PHOTO WINDOW: 6:15-6:45 p.m., as participants assemble to form the Human Red Ribbon

WHERE: Friendship Fountain, Jacksonville, Florida

WHO:  Friends of The Quilt, community members, people with HIV, HIV advocates, healthcare and community partners, and allies

WHY IT MATTERS: Strength Unites is more than an awareness event. It is a visible statement that Jacksonville remembers those lost to HIV/AIDS, stands beside people with HIV today, rejects stigma, and recognizes the power of community in creating healthier futures. The Human Red Ribbon transforms the international symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness into something distinctly human: people standing together.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Aerial and ground-level photography of the Human Red Ribbon; interviews with Friends of The Quilt leadership, community participants, and HIV advocates; and visual coverage of Friendship Fountain.

ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE QUILT: Friends of The Quilt is a Jacksonville-based nonprofit organization committed to preserving the legacy of the AIDS Memorial Quilt while advancing HIV education, testing, linkage to care, community engagement and remembrance.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Friends of The Quilt Main Office: (904) 362-2978

Honoring Every Name. Creating New Opportunities.