In a speech on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. called the fight against HIV/AIDS personal and said battling the disease was one of his administration’s top priorities.

“No one is immune,” said Diaz, adding that two of his uncles passed away due to AIDS complications and that his chief of staff, Paul DelDuca, is HIV positive.

Even though it was gloomy outside, with heavy rain and gusting winds, it was full of sunshine on the 3rd floor of the FCC Building in the Montefiore Medical Center.

Patients and staff of the Center for Positive Living/ID Clinic were singing and dancing together to commemorate World AIDS Day. With live music and nutritious snacks floating around the room, patients got the chance to shop for free in a vintage shop, win cash prize raffles, design a hand-painted survivor quilt and more.

Diaz and one of the city’s deputy health commissioners, Dr. Monica Sweeney both spoke at the event. “This clinic is dynamic,” said Diaz, praising the clinic for its work with HIV and AIDs patients. Sweeney advised everyone to tell their friends, family, and community to get tested.

According to the latest statistics from the Health Department, 22,961 Bronx residents are living with HIV/AIDS.