The Grand Rapids Red Project and AIDS Inc. are hosting the 22nd annual AIDS Walk + Run in downtown Grand Rapids, at Rosa Parks Circle, from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, September 13, 2014. Hundreds of participants will walk, run, and just have a good time along the 5K riverside route. All of the proceeds from the event will support the HIV prevention programs at AIDS Inc. and Red Project.
The Grand Rapids AIDS Walk + Run celebrates the lives of those affected by HIV and brings the community together in support of HIV prevention and decreasing stigma. The walk memorializes over 30 million people who have died from the global AIDS epidemic, while supporting those who are currently living healthy lives with successful HIV treatment in the Grand Rapids community.
There are approximately 1,100 people living with HIV in Kent County, yet it is estimated that 20% of those individuals are not yet aware of their status.
“We have the resources to stop the virus, we just need to educate people about the risks and give them the tools to be healthy,” explains Kevin Gierman, HIV CTR Manager at Red Project.
The Red Project also operates a syringe access program in the Grand Rapids area to prevent the transmission of HIV. The CDC recommends that a new sterile syringe be used for each and every injection to prevent the spread of bloodborne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
“Syringe access has been extremely effective in Grand Rapids. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, the percentage of total HIV/AIDS cases related to injection drug use has decreased from 25% to under 10%, since 1998,” said Steve Alsum, Executive Director at Red Project. “Our program results in lives saved, but also in incredible savings to the public healthcare system.”
The Red Project is funded through grants, events, and donations directly from the community. The Red Project is dedicated to improving health, reducing risk, and preventing HIV in the city of Grand Rapids, and they can always use your help; participating in the AIDS Walk + Run is a great way to help support the programs and services this organization provides to the community.
This year, in addition to Saturday's event, there will be a chance to make a donation to Red Project on the evening before the AIDS walk, at Mangiamo!, located at 1033 Lake Dr SE. We invite those who have pre-registered to pick up their t-shirt's ahead of time and join us for a special pasta dinner and cocktail party at Mangiamo! Friday night, from 6-10pm. $15 to purchase in advance (as part of registration) or $20 at the door, for those who have not yet registered or who only wish to participate in that evenings event. We'll have a fun-filled evening of carb-loading and music before the race, as well as a cash bar, on the lovely patio at Mangiamo! $5 cover for just the cash bar/lawn party.
Advanced registration (recommended) for the AIDS Walk + Run can be found online at www.redprojectgr.org/aidswalk or by calling the Red Project office at 616-456-9063.
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