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Monday, Dec. 1, marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. This time is set aside every year to recognize the efforts to combat the AIDS epidemic throughout the world. The theme for this year is Leadership and it will be promoted along with last year's campaign "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise." The Oklahoma State Department of Health wants to encourage leaders at all levels to focus on AIDS prevention by empowering individuals, organizations and governments to lead in the response to AIDS.

Below are some of the Oklahoma events planned to recognize World AIDS Day:

- In Oklahoma City, the annual World AIDS Day Memorial Service will be held Monday, Dec. 1, at the Mayflower Congregational Church at 3901 N.W. 63rd Street in Oklahoma City. The event is sponsored by the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma and is supported by various community-based organizations including R.A.I.N., Red Rock North, Guiding Right, Inc. (G.R.I.), Planned Parenthood, Logan County Health Department, Other Options and AIDS Walk of OKC. The event starts at 7 p.m., is open to the public, and everyone is invited to attend. For additional information, contact Jeff Robbins at (405) 228-9545 or jrobbins@ARCOK.org.

- On Monday, Dec. 1, Guiding Right, Inc., will be providing counseling and HIV testing at Langston University from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A Guiding Right, Inc. representative will also be presenting at a luncheon held on the same day. For additional information, contact Theodore Noel at (405) 733-0771 or tnoel@guidingright.org.

- Health, Outreach, Prevention, Education (H.O.P.E., Inc.) in Tulsa is participating in a community-wide remembrance ceremony on December 1 at Unity Church of Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown, Tulsa. The Tulsa AIDS Coalition sponsors the event and it will begin at 6 p.m. For additional information, contact Janice Nicklas at (918) 585-5551 or jnicklas@cdctulsa.org.

To learn more about the 2008 World AIDS Day campaign theme of Leadership and why now is the time to lead, empower, and deliver, email info@worldaidscampaign.org or check out this Web site: http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/.