MINNEAPOLIS, May 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Sunday, May 18, join the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) at Minnehaha Park for the 27th year of the Minnesota AIDS Walk. Donations to the Minnesota AIDS Walk help the Minnesota AIDS Project prevent new HIV infections and keep people living with HIV in Minnesota healthy.
For over 25 years, the Minnesota AIDS Walk has raised funds for the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP). The first AIDS Walk attracted 1,000 people and raised $100,000. Last year the AIDS Walk raised nearly $500,000 with about 4,000 people participating as walkers, volunteers and donors.
The day's events will begin at 9:00 a.m. with registration, activities in the park such as "Why I walk" photo sharing, activities for your dog, massages, children's games, health screenings and free HIV testing. The opening ceremonies, emceed by Jana Shortal, KARE 11 and workout guru Doug Melroe of The Firm, begin at 10 a.m. with local DJ's, followed by the Minnesota AIDS Walk at 11:00 a.m.
The largest organization fighting HIV in the state, the Minnesota AIDS Project is the leading advocate for evidence-based policies that can help lower the incidence of HIV across Minnesota. To target high-risk populations, including gay and bisexual men of all races and women of color, the Minnesota AIDS Project conducts outreach, offers free HIV testing and provides education about the risks associated with HIV infection. The MAP AIDSLine provides HIV education, risk assessment, quick connection to health care and referrals to needed services statewide.
Confidential community-based support is also provided to people living with HIV-case management, assistance with food, housing and transportation, benefits counseling, and legal services-helping them to maintain their health.
People can sign up to walk or make a donation by visiting www.mnaidswalk.org. Walkers can register for the event by visiting www.mnaidswalk.org. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram hashtagsMNAIDSWalk, WhyIWalk and IWalkFor
On the day of the Minnesota AIDS Walk, members of the media should check-in at the information tent near the Volunteer Check-In.
Contact:
Melissa Conway
Desk) 612-373-9164
Cell) 612-298-0214
melissa.conway@mnaidsproject.org
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140516/88622
SOURCE Minnesota AIDS Project
