AIDS Walk Delaware to raise funds for essential services Sept. 20
AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium will host the 39th annual AIDS Walk Delaware starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and registration is free.
Walkers who raise $35 or more will receive a commemorative T-shirt. To register or donate, visit AIDSWalkDelaware.org.
Participants are encouraged to explore the Knowledge Neighborhood at the walk site before and after the event. Dogs are welcome.
The walk is the state’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness event, with proceeds supporting free, rapid HIV testing, medical case management, mental health counseling, HIV/PrEP education and prevention services, housing and transportation assistance, and more.
AIDS Delaware faces serious challenges since recent cuts to federal, state and local funding threaten access to essential HIV services across the state. Delaware reports 4,116 residents living with HIV and transmission rates rising, with 71 new diagnoses already this year.
“Our community has always shown up, and we are deeply grateful,” said Frank Hawkins, AIDS Delaware director of prevention services. “But right now, we’re at a turning point. We simply cannot afford to lose ground in the fight against HIV.”
Tyler Berl, Delaware HIV Consortium executive director, said, “I walk to bring our state, our community, one step closer to an AIDS-free future for my young daughter's generation. I walk for her future, where the stigma of this disease is a thing of the past."
The walk also aims to raise awareness about pre-exposure prophylaxis, aka PrEP, a daily medication that reduces the risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%. Despite its effectiveness, too many Delawareans remain unaware of or unable to access it.
Funds raised through AIDS Walk Delaware help support a statewide network of HIV service providers, including All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Beautiful Gate Outreach Center, CAMP Rehoboth, Ministry of Caring and the William J. Holloway Community Program.
For more information, visit AIDSWalkDelaware.org or contact Mercades Allison at mallison@aidsdelaware.org or 302.652.6776.
