First AIDS Memorial Walk to Take Place in San Angelo

SAN ANGELO, TX – This Saturday, December 3, the first annual Aids Memorial Walk be taking place at Kirby Park. The Open Arms Rape Crisis Center & LGBT+ Services will be hosting the walk in an effort to raise awareness for the people of the Concho Valley.

“Come out and support the cause; come have fun and listen to our guest speakers and join the vigil as we honor those who have gone before us,” said Kaden Manning, director of LGBT+ Services.

The AIDS virus contraction rate has increased over the years in the city of San Angelo. According to AIDSVu.org, in 2013, the contraction rate in Tom Green County was at 95 per 100,000 individuals.

In 2013, the number of people diagnosed in the state of Texas reached 73,959, which equated a rate of 346 infected individuals per 100,000. In Texas approximately 78 percent of those people who contracted the virus were men, and 22 percent were women. In 2014 alone, 4,817 new cases were reported.

Testing is crucial for the treatment and prevention of AIDS, which is one of the reasons Open Arms has decided to host the Memorial Walk. The event will feature booths from a variety of agencies across the Concho Valley, as well as guest speakers from the Health Department and Shannon Supportive Services. The event will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will be free to everyone in the community.

After the walk, a vigil will be held to remember all those who have passed, and those who are currently battling the disease. Free hot chocolate and goodies will be available for attendees. A graffiti wall will also be set up for people wishing to remember loved ones who lost their lives to the disease.

Open Arms offers a variety of resources for both the LGBT+ community and anyone who is need of its services. The organization can be reached at 36 W. Beauregard Ave, or at its 24-hour hotline at 1-800-656-4673.