AIDS Walk Ohio returns on April 20 and wants your feet in the mix

The copy of this piece was provided directly by the organizer of the event and not from The Buckeye Flame’s newsroom.

Registration is open for the 2024 Robert J. Fass Memorial AIDS Walk Ohio, which will take place on Saturday, April 20 at Genoa Park in downtown Columbus. Presented by Equitas Health, AIDS Walk Ohio has raised more than $2 million for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs in Ohio since its start in 1991.

AIDS Walk Ohio is one of the largest events in the state to bring awareness and critical funds for HIV/AIDS service organizations. The 5K run/walk will begin at 11 a.m. In-person registration will also be available beginning at 9:30 a.m. for those who cannot register online. Participants can register to walk in person or virtually.

“AIDS Walk Ohio is an incredibly important fundraiser here in central Ohio,” said Rob DuVall, Director of Events for Equitas Health. “While we’ve seen amazing advancements in treatment and prevention in the past 40 years, there is still a lot of work to be done and a lot of important stories to tell.”

Dr. Robert J. Fass, for whom AIDS Walk Ohio is named, was an internationally respected infectious diseases expert, scientist, and teacher who was part of the Ohio State University medical faculty. Fass was the principal investigator of the Ohio State University AIDS Clinical Trials Unit since its inception in 1987 and was the Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases. Fass passed away in 2002.

“We will be honoring our friends and loved ones who have sadly passed away, as well as those who are currently living with or are at-risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. We also will be celebrating those who have dedicated their life to research and care because we wouldn’t be anywhere without them. It is an honor to be able to bring necessary attention and funding to such a worthy cause,” said DuVall.

At Equitas Health, funds raised support HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, as well as primary care, behavioral health counseling and dental care services for everyone.