Annual AIDS Walk, Run Aims To Raise $150K

From Chase Brexton: What: 2017 AIDS Walk & Run Baltimore

When: Sunday, May 7, 2017
Registration: BaltimoreAIDSWalk.org
Where: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
1876 Mansion House Drive
Baltimore, MD 21217

Chase Brexton Health Care aims to raise $150,000 to further expand its HIV testing, awareness, and care programs during the third annual AIDS Walk & Run Baltimore, presented by Quest Diagnostics, at the Maryland Zoo on Sunday, May 7.

“HIV and AIDS remain a major problem in Baltimore and a leading cause of death here," said Sharon Cooper-Kerr, special events manager for Chase Brexton. “We urge people in the community to come out and walk or run - and support this critically important effort to raise funds to expand testing and treatment.”

All proceeds from the AIDS Walk & Run Baltimore will support Chase Brexton’s HIV and AIDS programs, including assistance with medications, case management services, and medical care. Performer Tommie Ross is this year’s official AIDS Walk & Run Ambassador, and a comprehensive health fair will once again be present at the end of the course offering health information, testing, and refreshments.

Participants can register to walk or run, or start a team and raise funds with their friends, at www.BaltimoreAIDSWalk.org. Volunteers to lend a hand at the event are also needed; to volunteer, fill out the form located at http://tinyurl.com/AIDSWalkVolunteer.

According to the CDC, Baltimore has the third highest rate of HIV diagnosis in the United States. One in 43 Baltimoreans are living with HIV, but 16 percent don’t know they’re infected. One in every five new HIV cases is an individual 13 to 24 years old.

For more than three decades, Chase Brexton has maintained a leading role in battling HIV/AIDS. Now a multi-faceted health center offering a continuum of care to a diverse community, Chase Brexton continues to provide comprehensive HIV-targeted case management services. These services include physical exams; ongoing follow-up visits with patients; diagnostic tests; treatment for patients co-infected with Hepatitis B or C; nutritional assessments and consultations; and intensive patient health education and support for HIV medications.

Last year, the event raised more than $87,000, which helped furnish two mobile HIV testing, education and assistance vehicles for Chase Brexton. Despite a cold and rainy morning, more than 400 participants came to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore to walk, run, and volunteer.

“It was truly amazing to see so many people come out last year to support this cause, and we know this year is going to be even better,” said James Wilson, co-chair of the AIDS Walk & Run Baltimore. “We want you to get your friends together, start a team, and join us at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore on May 7 to help bring an end to the HIV and AIDS Epidemic in Baltimore.”

Image via Pixabay