We Care
The AIDS Memorial Quilt
Honoring Lives, Inspiring Change
The AIDS Memorial Quilt stands as a poignant tribute to the countless lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses.
Conceived in 1985 by San Francisco gay rights activist Cleve Jones, the Quilt was first displayed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in 1987, featuring 1,920 panels commemorating individuals who had died of AIDS.
Since then, it has grown into a 54-ton tapestry comprising nearly 50,000 panels, each measuring six feet by three feet, and dedicated to more than 110,000 individuals. Widely regarded as the largest piece of community folk art in the world, the Quilt symbolizes both the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic and the resilience of the communities affected by it.
The Quilt is cared for and stewarded by the The National AIDS Memorial, an organization committed to preserving its legacy and ensuring its continued role as an educational and memorial tool. It has been displayed in countless locations across the United States, bringing its powerful message of remembrance and advocacy to diverse communities.
In December 2024, the Quilt was showcased on the White House South Lawn for the first time in history, marking a significant moment in the nation’s acknowledgment of the AIDS crisis.
Colorado Health Network: Advancing Advocacy and Care
Founded in 1983, Colorado Health Network (CHN) is the oldest and largest HIV/AIDS advocacy, testing and prevention organization in Colorado, and the second oldest in the country. CHN provides a full range of wraparound services to individuals living with HIV, including:
- Free dental care
- Housing including subsidies
- A free community food bank
- Needle exchange programs
- Free HIV/STI testing services
- Mental and behavioral health counseling
- Programs for elders, and more
To learn more about CHN’s services or to make a donation, please visit www.coloradohealthnetwork.org.
A Monument to Love and Activism
The AIDS Memorial Quilt remains a vital symbol of love, activism, and remembrance.
Its displays across the national, supported by community partners, educate the public and inspire collective action to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.