More Needed To Fight Epidemic, AIDS Walk Philly Organizers Say
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The AIDS Fund, a nonprofit organization that raises money for HIV and AIDS organizations in Philadelphia, is kicking off efforts for its biggest annual fundraiser: AIDS Walk Philly.
Now in its 28th year, AIDS Walk Philly (along with its companion event, AIDS Run Philly) leads thousands of people to lace up, to raise money for an epidemic that gets little attention these days yet is infecting victims that are younger and younger every year.
"One in four new HIV infections are among youth between ages 13 and 24," says Robb Reichard, executive director of the AIDS Fund. He says the goal for this year's walk and run is to raise awareness among this vulnerable population.
"We need to make sure they are educated, get them the information that they need and empower them with the self-esteem that they need so that they can protect themselves," he says.
Reichard says the AIDS Fund is hoping this year's walk and run will top the $300,000 in funds raised last year. The money will go to support nearly 20 area HIV/AIDS service organizations in the Philadelphia area.
"The money from the AIDS Fund is vital," says Gary Bell, executive director of Bebashi Transition to Hope, the country's first African-American AIDS organization. He says his group helps 20,000 people every year and, with nearly 70 percent of Philadelphia's new HIV cases impacting African-Americans, their services are sorely needed.
He says ignorance within the community is epidemic.
"A lot of people still hold onto myths: it's a gay disease, it's only a disease of people who are very promiscuous," he notes. "The biggest group impacted by HIV is black men who have sex with other men."
The walk and run take place the morning of October 19th at Eakins Oval, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. And for those who were afraid in the past of walking or running in a 12-kilometer race... well, worry no more.
"This year, it's a 5k," says Reichard. "It's a little shorter route to accommodate people's busy lives."
For details on how to sign up, go to aidswalkphilly.org.
