MINNEAPOLIS, May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ - On Sunday, May 15, 2011, more than 5,000 people will gather in Minnehaha Park for the 24th Annual Minnesota AIDS Walk. This event is the largest fundraising event for HIV/AIDS in the upper Midwest and is hosted by the Minnesota AIDS Project with presenting sponsor ING.
New this year will be a mini Health Fair featuring:
- on-site HIV testing provided by the staff of the Minnesota AIDS Project
- six different medical screenings in a specially equipped RV from Walgreens
- a special focus on LGBT health with representatives from AMC The Doctors in Uptown and Rainbow Health Initiative
- lung capacity testing at the Target sponsor tent
- free pedometers provided by ING, our Walk title sponsor
"HIV prevention is a key strategy in achieving our vision for an AIDS-free world," says Minnesota AIDS Project interim Executive Director, Kathleen Corley. "And knowing your HIV status through testing is an important first step in preventing the spread of HIV, particularly among young gay and bisexual men. Providing easy access to free testing at this event is just one of our outreach activities throughout the year."
The Minnesota AIDS Walk was created in 1988 in response to the AIDS crisis. Today, this event continues to fund Minnesota AIDS Project work in HIV prevention, education and advocacy throughout the state as well as its role as a provider of services for those living with HIV.
The Walk day will begin with the Run for the Ribbon at 9 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. with the Minnesota AIDS Walk beginning at 11 a.m. Following the Walk, a free all-ages concert will be provided by Rock the Cause, featuring four local music acts. The show will include artists Not Like This, Alison Scott, The Alarmists, and Far From Falling.
Walkers and runners can still sign up for the event by visiting www.mnaidswalk.org or call the Minnesota AIDS Walk hotline at 612-373-2410.
The Minnesota AIDS Project leads Minnesota's fight to stop HIV through prevention, advocacy, awareness, and services. For more information, please visit www.mnaidsproject.org.
SOURCE Minnesota AIDS Project
