Blog 3/29/22

The largest HIV/AIDS awareness event in the state, AIDS Walk Ohio, returns Saturday, April 9, 2022, to Genoa Park in downtown Columbus.

Spring has sprung and cabin fever is peaking across Ohio. As the days get warmer and longer, Equitas Health is gearing up to take AIDS Walk Ohio back to the streets.

For over 30 years, walkers and runners from every corner of the state have come together to raise money and awareness for HIV testing and treatment programs in Ohio.

What is AIDS Walk Ohio?

AIDS Walk Ohio is a yearly 5K run, 5K walk, and 1-mile stroll that takes place in Columbus, Ohio. Over the past eight years, AIDS Walk Ohio has raised over $2 million for organizations across Ohio, including Equitas Health.

How does AIDS Walk Ohio raise awareness?

 AIDS Walk Ohio inspires walkers and runners to spread the message that undetectable equals untransmittable or U=U:

• Undetectable refers to a viral load that is so small that it will not show up on an HIV test. Viral load is the amount of virus in a person’s blood.
• If a person living with HIV has an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass the virus to their sexual partners. This means the virus is untransmittable.

With daily treatment, a person living with HIV can have a viral load that is undetectable and untransmittable.

How to go from couch to 5K for a cause?

You might be thinking, “There is no way I could get from my couch to a 5K in less than a month.”

Here’s the good news. Much like Equitas Health’s mission to give Care for All, AIDS Walk Ohio is for everyone. Come as you are and choose to run, walk, or stroll along with your family, co-workers, neighbors, and friends.

The even better news? You’re supporting life-saving HIV prevention and treatment with every step!

What happens during AIDS Walk Ohio?

This year’s 5K walk, 5K run, and 1-mile stroll begins at Genoa Park — between COSI and the Scioto River — and follows a scenic route through downtown Columbus.

Check-in for the event starts at 9 AM on Saturday, April 9. The program begins at 9:40 AM on the amphitheater stage. The 5K run begins at 10:30 AM, followed by the 5K walk & one-mile stroll.

Don’t miss a special appearance from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant and HIV activist Ongina. The Renegaydes, Columbus drag superstar Virginia West, and the West Family will also perform.

Food trucks, vendors, and a DJ will be at the park. The event will wrap up promptly at noon.

How do I Register for AIDS Walk Ohio?

The first step is to gather your team. You can register as an individual or recruit your friends and co-workers to join the walk with you. Once you’ve come up with a personal goal and a team name, you’re ready to register.

To register for AIDS Walk Ohio:

• Visit aidswalkohio.com
• Click on the REGISTER button

You’ll then select which registration option is right for you: individual, join a team, or create your own.

You’ll be able to set a goal and share your fundraising page to encourage donations. You can also share a personal story of why you’ve chosen to participate in AIDS Walk Ohio.

How do I Set Up a Facebook Fundraiser for AIDS Walk Ohio?

Making a Facebook Fundraiser is simple and easy. You can connect your donation page to your Facebook account to start collecting donations towards your goal.

• Log in at aidswalkohio.com
• Select the “Manage” page in the top right corner of your screen
• Find the “Facebook” tab and select “Create Fundraiser”
• Go to the fundraiser on your Facebook page and edit the title and details

It’s as simple as that!

How does my AIDS Walk Donation Help?

Donating to AIDS Walk Ohio is the perfect way to show support for Equitas Health programs that mean the most to you. Each AIDS Walk Ohio participant can choose a department to support with the funds that they raise.

You do not have to specify where you’d like to donate your funds. You can make a general donation that that will be used wherever it is needed most.

Your donations are impacting real people. Over the years, AIDS Walk Ohio has supported countless Equitas Health programs. Examples include:

• Group therapy that is free and open to the public at our Mental Health & Recovery Services
• Increased accessibility for our Prevention team’s HIV/STI testing services

AIDS Walk Ohio allows us to expand our important community programs.

Don’t want to run or walk? Come volunteer!

Our volunteers are an important backbone of our events like AIDS Walk Ohio. Volunteering is a great way to meet inspired community members and show your support.

To volunteer at AIDS Walk Ohio:

• Visit aidswalkohio.org
• Select the “Volunteer” button from the home page.

You can then choose the block of time you’d like to volunteer and what station you’d like to be placed at (registration, support, parking, etc.).

We’re delighted to be back on the streets, and we couldn’t do it without your help!

Lace up and come to Genoa Park on April 9, 2022 for AIDS Walk Ohio.

For more information, please visit aidswalkohio.com.