Sunday is the 25th anniversary of the New York AIDS Walk. Since its inception, the AIDS Walk has raised over US$105 million for HIV programs and services in the tri-state area. This is my first year participating in the walk, and I want to do my part to fight this terrible pandemic.
The clock is running backward. Infection rates in the New York area are increasing significantly. Many young people did not grow seeing friends and family sick or dying from the disease, and think of it as a manageable condition.
It goes without saying we need to redouble our efforts to mitigate the spread of HIV through education and prevention. I've witnessed a more cavalier attitude toward safe sex among young gay men in the city, and am no longer willing to stand by and allow that to continue.
It is also important to support local services that help people who are living with HIV. Non-profits get hit hard during times of economic upheaval, and need our support now more than ever. I'm certain that states are not being generous funding public health organizations.
Feel free to donate to my AIDS Walk page (your donation may be anonymous). I'm halfway to my goal within 1 hour today, but goals are arbitrary and meant to be broken. If you are living in the New York area - join us or help get the word out! It's easy to sign up. Thank you for your generosity.