Walk To Stop HIV

What is the Walk to Stop HIV?
The Grand Rapids Walk to Stop HIV, formerly Grand Rapids AIDS Walk/Run, is a fundraising walk and 5k “fun run” benefiting and produced by the Grand Rapids Red Project. All funds raised will be used within the local Kent County area for the Red Project programming which includes providing dependable and quality access to health related resources for people living with HIV and those impacted by it.

Why has the name changed?
Similar events all across the nation have begun to change their event and marketing to better reflect the changing landscape of the HIV/AIDS within the country. Our friends at Walk to End HIV in Washington D.C. have provided a comprehensive response to this question:

“There is significant stigma associated with the term AIDS, and this stigma serves as a significant barrier to testing, prevention, and keeping people in care. Historically the term AIDS was about a plague that we had no answers for; it meant almost certain death for those diagnosed. Thankfully, this has changed dramatically over the past three decades. Now, addressing the HIV epidemic is about caring for the health and well-being of the whole person. We also know that with increased testing and treatment we can prevent HIV infections. So, changing the name … is a statement of hope and optimism. It is an attempt to move away from the stigma that surrounds AIDS. It is also a way to focus attention on getting us to that ultimate finish line – providing care for all who are HIV-positive and getting to zero new infections. Even without a cure or vaccine, through testing, early detection, and a comprehensive care plan, we know we can get there.”

When and Where is Walk to Stop HIV?
The Grand Rapids Walk to Stop HIV will take place 10 am on Saturday, September 8th, 2018. The Grand Rapids Walk to Stop HIV begins and ends at Rosa Parks Circle in Downtown GR (135 Monroe Center St NW).

How long is the course?
The course for the run/walk is 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).

Will the event be cancelled in the case of bad weather?
No! The Grand Rapids Walk to Stop HIV will take place regardless of the weather. Please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

Is HIV/AIDS still an issue?
Approximately 1,100 people are currently living with HIV in Kent County and it is estimated that about 1/8 are unaware of their status. While the landscape of HIV/AIDS is very different now from what it was in the 1990s, there is still significant need in our community. Prevention, testing, and providing access to treatment and support are all parts of a comprehensive effort to address HIV/AIDS. There are more people living with HIV today then ever in history because we have not had effective tools to significantly decrease transmission, until just a couple years ago.