AFC is hosting community engagement events through the summer to support HIV care and prevention, culminating in the popular AIDS Run & Walk 2024, fundraising for which is now open. AIDS Run & Walk will take place on Sept. 28 at Soldier Field, where people can fundraise, donate, and run, walk, or roll a course along the lakefront in support of ending the HIV epidemic in Illinois. Each year, thousands of participants complete the AIDS Run & Walk course, fundraise to support AFC and its community partners, and come together for keynote speakers, art installations and music at the event.
The theme of AIDS Run & Walk is Show Up, Show Out, encouraging the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together with authenticity and solidarity in support of a common cause. Funds raised will benefit AFC and its community partners as they work to end the HIV epidemic through case management and direct services for people living with HIV, and by promoting HIV prevention and care through advocacy and public engagement programs. Summer 2024 programs hosted by AIDS Foundation Chicago will promote PrEP (HIV prevention medication) access, support for women in reentry from the criminal justice system, and intensive public health training for emerging HIV care leaders in Chicagoland.
“Our summer programs paint a picture of the services you will support through fundraising with AIDS Run & Walk 2024. To end the HIV epidemic, we must take a holistic approach that includes public engagement and information sharing in addition to connecting people with care and resources,” said Edward Wagner, Chief External Relations Officer for AFC. “Your contributions and participation will save lives and improve quality of life for thousands of Illinoisians.”
The AFC summer program lineup and AIDS Run & Walk 2024 are part of a comprehensive strategy to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, known as Getting to Zero Illinois.
AIDS Foundation Chicago Event Details:
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago: Show Up, Show Out!
• Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Soldier Field
• Begins at 9 a.m.
• More details at www.aidschicago.org/aids-run-walk
Women’s Connection Summit of Hope
• A free community expo for criminal justice-involved women featuring case management, employment, housing and legal services and an array of other resources to support reentry.
• Tuesday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Fellowship Chicago, 4543 S Princeton Ave, Chicago.
• For more information, contact [email protected].
Illinois PrEP Summit: Disrupting disparities and advancing access
• A gathering of HIV service providers and community members that aims to promote biomedical HIV prevention. Sessions will cover strategies, policies and implementation research.
• Tuesday, June 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Malcolm X College Conference Center, 1900 W. Van Buren St., Chicago.
• More information and registration available at bit.ly/4aDzEMx
Public Health Boot Camp
• An intensive training institute to foster future HIV community leaders.
• Sunday, July 21-Thurday, July 25.
• Applications are currently closed; contact [email protected] for future opportunities.
