Thousands of people across western Connecticut rallied together to commemorate the 30th annual World AIDS Day.

Healthcare Advocates International Incorporated in Stratford, which held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday, was just one nonprofit who held events for the day.

Organizers there promoted HIV Advocates, a global program that focuses on holding events to encourage people to get HIV tested. They also try to fight the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.

Chip Reed has been living with HIV for 32 years. He says he has seen many positive changes, but says the world still has a long way to go.

"I'm amazed that, both, I am here and that we are still fighting this disease. That we haven't made more progress than we have," says Reed.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with disease and commemorate those who died.