HIV/AIDS walk to be virtual

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

As a result of concerns about the coronavirus and pandemic restrictions, the Mon Valley HIV/AIDS Awareness Walk, which is held annually in McKeesport, will be virtual this year.

This is the 20th year the Human Services Center Corporation’s HIV/AIDS Working Group has organized the walk, which will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 3 via Zoom.

The walk aims to raise awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS in Allegheny County and the efforts being made in the region to combat HIV/AIDS and its stigma, HSCC Outreach Coordinator Abbie Godollei said, adding that the Mon Valley walk continues to be the only HIV/AIDS Awareness Walk in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

“The HIV/AIDS Working Group is grateful for the many dedicated sponsors, participants and volunteers that have made it possible to continue this event into its 20th year,” she said.

Godollei said the walk aims to educate the public, connect people living with HIV to support services and raise funds for other HIV/AIDS education programs and events organized by the HIV/AIDS Working Group. 

Along with the walk, the HIV/AIDS Working Group hosts an event for World AIDS Day, a National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Dinner and a youth education program, Project H.E.A.R.T. (HIV/AIDS Education and Research Training).

Those interested in participating must register at https://forms.gle/4QcyQHmSkzUAcXQG9.

Leading up to the virtual event, there will be chances to win weekly prizes by posting about the walk and helping to raise awareness about HIV on social media, Godollei said, adding that there will also be chances to win prizes. 

During the virtual event, there will be an opening ceremony and breakout sessions to discuss different topics related to HIV. 

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