AIDS Walk Arizona, an Aunt Rita’s Foundation signature event presented by Walgreens, takes place this Saturday, February 22nd at Tempe Beach Park in Tempe, Arizona. Alongside a mass fundraising walk and family-friendly entertainment, free HIV testing will be available using INSTI, the one-minute HIV test.
AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run is the largest gathering in Arizona to support people living with HIV and raise community awareness. For the 13th year, thousands of runners, walkers and spectators will unite to reach a fundraising goal of $250,000. The money raised will go on to fund HIV prevention and treatment services delivered by Aunt Rita’s 13 partner agencies to the communities in Greater Phoenix.
Free, 1-minute HIV testing
Ebony House will provide free, rapid HIV tests during the AIDS Walk, delivered by their trained team members. Manufactured by bioLytical, the one-minute INSTI HIV test is renowned as the world’s fastest. Testing with INSTI takes just one drop of blood, collected with a simple finger prick. The entire process takes only 60 seconds, with instant results that are more than 99% accurate. As official sponsors, bioLytical will also be hosting a booth at the event.
About Aunt Rita’s Foundation
Aunt Rita’s Foundation Executive Director, Glen Spencer said, “Since 15% of all HIV positive individuals are not aware of their status, it’s vital that everyone get tested and know their status so we can achieve our goal of getting to zero new infections by 2030.”
The Aunt Rita’s Foundation AIDS Walks have raised more than 3 million dollars since returning in 2008. The theme this year is Countdown to Zero, in recognition of the United States’ Ending the Epidemic plan to prevent all new HIV infections by 2030. Maricopa County is one of 48 counties that account for more than 50% of all new HIV infections in the country. Testing is widely considered to be the first step towards reducing new HIV infections.
“We hope everyone in greater Phoenix will participate at this year’s AIDS Walk Arizona, be HIV Equal, and show their support for our 13 amazing partner agencies that we support, and help us reach our fundraising goal of $250,000,” said Jaimi Romano, Aunt Rita’s Director of Marketing and Events.
Event information
The event is open to all ages and even dogs. Individuals and companies are encouraged to form teams or donate to the event or an individual walker, runner, team or dog. For times, parking and light rail information visit www.aidswalkaz.org or call (602) 904-6001.
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About Aunt Rita’s Foundation
Since 2005, Aunt Rita’s Foundation has granted more than 2 million dollars to its partner agencies in Central Arizona that provide programs to prevent HIV/AIDS or assist those living with the disease. Money raised is equally distributed to participating agencies which include: The Bill Holt Clinic at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, CAN Community Health, Chicanos Por La Causa Luces Program, Ebony House, HEAL International, HIV Care Directions, Joshua Tree Feeding Program, McDowell Healthcare Clinic, Native Health, one n ten, Southwest Behavioral Health Services, Southwest Center, and Terros Health. Aunt Rita’s Foundation accomplishes this through direct public education and fundraising primarily through signature events, AIDS Walk Arizona, RED Brunch, and RED is the Night. Aunt Rita’s Foundation also works to increase awareness and education about HIV/AIDS statewide through HIVAZ.ORG. For more information, visit www.auntritas.org or call (602) 882-8675.