The 36th Annual Walk to End HIV, presented by DC-based non-profit Whitman-Walker, will take place on Saturday, October 22, on the grounds of Saint Elizabeths – soon to be their new home.

The Walk to End HIV is Whitman-Walker’s signature fundraiser that calls on thousands to strap up their shoes and walk or run to support Whitman-Walker’s mission of providing dependable, high-quality, comprehensive and accessible health care to those living with or affected by HIV.

The event is one of the largest HIV awareness event in the country, attracting nearly 5,000 participants to Washington, DC. The family-friendly event kicks off at Gateway DC Pavillion on the campus of Saint Elizabeths and will take participants around the campus and through surrounding neighborhoods as well as right by Whitman-Walker’s new Max Robinson Center set to debut in fall of 2023. This year’s event will feature several pre/post race activities such as remarks from Whitman-Walker CEO’s Naseema Shafi (CEO Whitman-Walker Health) and Dr. Ryan Moran (CEO, Whitman-Walker Health System), live entertainment by the Gay Men’s Chorus, drag queen performances, food trucks, community partner booths and much more.

Whitman-Walker has been part of the fabric of Washington,DC and nationally for almost 50 years as a first responder and care-provider for those living with HIV; a leader in LGBTQ care and advocacy; a research center working to discover breakthroughs in HIV treatment; and one of DC’s most trusted partners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whitman-Walker envisions a society where all people are seen for who they are, treated with dignity and respect, and afforded equal opportunity to health and wellbeing.

Within the nation’s capital area, Whitman-Walker provides stigma-free care to anyone who walks through their doors. They are proud and honored to be a place where the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer communities, as well as those living with or affected by HIV feel supported, welcomed and respected.

This year’s event fundraising goal is to raise $500K in which funds will support Whitman-Walker’s critical program areas such as:

• Supportive services for LGBTQ seniors who are HIV positive including peer support programs and events to combat isolation

• Provide free testing services through Whitman Walker’s Sexual Health & Wellness

• Operation of mobile HIV testing van to help communities facing barriers to care have the prevention and education they need and help to have access to HIV testing, prevention and care.