Maybe you’ve been looking for something fun to do (with free food!) this weekend. Maybe you’re trying to be more physically active. Or maybe you want to get more involved in your community and support an important cause. If any of this sounds like you, mark your calendar for the upcoming 2019 AIDS Walk Ventura!

Sponsored by the Diversity Collective and Ventura County Public Health, this amazing event raises money and awareness year after year. Participating in 2019, whether by donating or volunteering, means you help to heighten awareness about HIV and AIDS while simultaneously supporting Diversity Collective’s HIV-AIDS Education and Prevention Program.

2019 AIDS Walk Ventura

Ready to get involved? Here are the key details you need to know:

What it is: A 5k walk and free health fair to raise funds and awareness.

When and where it takes place: On Saturday, March 2, head down to Plaza Park at 9:00 am to register or check in. The walk starts at 10:00 am. The route heads up to Ash and over the freeway crossing so you can enjoy strolling along the Ventura Promenade, ultimately circling back to the park. Everyone will meet back at Plaza Park at 11:30 am for finish line announcements.

Why get involved: On top of doing your part to positively impact the way HIV and AIDS affect us locally, this is a fun, family-friendly event. You won’t want to miss the special guest emcee, Ongina from Season 1 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Plus, Trader Joe’s, Starbucks, and Blinkie’s Donut Emporium will be offering refreshments to every walker. Oh, and did we mention that there’s a free health fair with music?

How to sign up: If you want to get involved, you have three options. You can show up Saturday morning to walk. You can donate to the cause (they’ve currently raised nearly $23,000 of their $35,000 goal). Or you can volunteer. Choose whatever works best for you!

Raising awareness and support

Want to know more about the organization this event supports? Diversity Collective works together with the county to ensure there are no gaps in the services available to Ventura County residents living with HIV and AIDS. They also offer engaging education, helping people know how to stay healthy and informed about their status.

On top of all that, Diversity Collective offers free, rapid, confidential HIV screening at their Community Resource Center. Want to set up your quick and easy appointment? You can call or text them at (805) 665-3193 or send an email to rapidtesting@diversitycollective.org.

At the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center, we love having the opportunity to partner with Diversity Collective throughout the year to support our community. We hope you’ll join us in supporting the 2019 AIDS Walk Ventura! And if you have any questions, either about this event or about the resources available in Ventura County, don’t hesitate to contact us.