Put on your walkin’ shoes – Join Florida AIDS Walk
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is not going away anytime soon. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 40,000 HIV/AIDS cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year – 4,000 new cases annually just in Florida. In fact, Florida is the 3rd state with the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases in the U.S., with Broward County ranking second — withDade County ranking as first — in the number of HIV/AIDS cases in Florida. Because of these statistics, it’s HIV/AIDS service organizations in the area are extremely important. You can make an impact by participating in the Florida AIDS Walk this year.
The 10-Kilometer Walk starts at Huizenga Plaza in Fort Lauderdale on March 20, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. This important fundraising event raises money for AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Broward House, Sun Serve, The Pride Center at Equality Park and Women In Network.
In April 2009, thousands of individuals from across the state gathered in Fort Lauderdale for the Florida AIDS Walk and demonstrated their commitment to reversing the course of the AIDS epidemic in Florida. One hundred percent of the funds raised went to HIV/AIDS programs in Florida, including testing, a new mobile clinic for the South Florida region, and the Magic Johnson Healthcare Clinic. In 2010, the Florida AIDS Walk recruited participants statewide and continued to raise awareness and alert everyone to the fact that nearly 125,000 Floridians are living with HIV/AIDS.
Funds raised by Florida AIDS Walk will support the expansion of free HIV testing and prevention education in Florida’s Broward and Miami Dade Counties, sa well as healthcare for HIV-positive individuals throughout Florida.
To find out more about Florida AIDS Walk, or to join a team or start a team, visit www.floridaaidswalk.org
