Each year, the Minnesota AIDS Project hosts the largest HIV fundraiser in the state. The 2008 Minnesota AIDS Walk on May 18th will be the 21st annual event to raise crucial funds to support ongoing advocacy efforts, prevention education, and services for those living with HIV in Minnesota. A total of 325 new cases of HIV were reported in Minnesota during 2007. This continues a slow, steady increase of newly reported HIV infections. As the number of individuals living with HIV continues to dramatically increase thanks to treatment advances, the funds raised by this event become even more critical as HIV prevention efforts are essential to slow the incidence rate in our state.
As the Minnesota AIDS Project marks its 25th year of service, there are a number of new opportunities to get involved and energize the community in addressing the unmet challenges of HIV that remain. For the first time, runners will be able to participate with the kickoff of the Inaugural Run for the Ribbon 10k. The run will follow the same course as the Walk and will begin and end in Minnehaha Park. It will be an exciting event and allow for an even broader group of supporters to enjoy this important day. Those wishing to take part in the Walk or run can visit www.mnaidswalk.org to register and find more information.
In 2008, the Minnesota AIDS Project has engaged other local AIDS service organizations as partners for the AIDS Walk. Honoring the work of those the agency has partnered with over the past 25 years, the Minnesota AIDS Project is encouraging these community partners to form teams and raise funds to support their ongoing work in the community to fight HIV.
The community partners for the Walk include: African Health Action, African American AIDS Task Force, The Aliveness Project, Clare Housing, Community Fitness Today, Hope House of St. Croix Valley, Minnkota Center, Open Arms of Minnesota, Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN), Sub-Saharan African Youth & Family Services of Minnesota.
"This event will bring together the excellent outreach education and service that these 10 agencies, along with the Minnesota AIDS Project, accomplish each year. These partners will be able to keep 100 percent of the funds their teams raise as we join in unity to reach our common goal of eliminating HIV in Minnesota," said Lorraine Teel, executive director of the Minnesota AIDS Project.
The Minnesota AIDS Project works statewide to prevent the spread of HIV in Minnesota and reduce the challenge of living with HIV through programs, partnerships, and initiatives to engage every member of our community to take responsibility and care about HIV. For more information and to find out how you can help please visit www.mnaidsproject.org.