Walgreens' Well Beyond HIV mobile art exhibit hits Chicago

CHICAGO — Walgreens on Friday debuted its Well Beyond HIV mobile art exhibit in Chicago to help bring awareness of the many patients with HIV/AIDS who are living more than 20 years beyond original expectations.

 

The exhibit provides a glimpse into the lives of older adults living with HIV, displaying real stories of diagnosis challenges and life triumphs. This exhibit is traveling across the U.S. and now makes its Chicago debut with an opening reception on Friday, Aug. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Opening reception featured speakers include Rae Lewis-Thornton, a Chicago-local, Emmy award-winning AIDS activist, who has lived with HIV and AIDS for more than 30 years, and Glen Pietrandoni, senior director of virology at Walgreens, responsible for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis programs and services at Walgreens specialty pharmacies nationwide. 

 

The exhibit will be open Friday through Sunday at the Center on Halsted. 

 

“As the population of older Americans living with HIV/AIDS grows, the daily realities, concerns and successes of their lives remain largely unrecognized,” Pietrandoni, senior director of virology, Walgreens, noted in a recent press release. “By sharing stories of challenges and triumphs through the compelling photography and insightful testimonials, we hope to increase awareness of the unique needs of these individuals while being a trusted community resource to help those aging with HIV live well.”