In the Big Bend area, 1 out of every 172 adults lives with HIV/AIDS; in the African-American community, that number becomes 1 out of every 72 adults.

In support of the people both locally and nationally who are living with the disease, Big Bend Cares holds an annual AIDS walk that draws a community together.

This year, the Tallahassee AIDS Walk will be held at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, September 15, at the Southwood Nature Trail.

The one-mile walk has brought together hundreds of participants in previous years.

This year, the 32nd annual walk will be a “March Into The Future” - a show of progression beyond the immense hardships of recent years, to pick up the pieces and rebuild a path to a brighter future.

This event is a celebration of all of those who have fought against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

All proceeds will go towards helping Big Bend Cares, Neighborhood Medical Center, and Bond Community Health Center provide direct-care services for our clients and HIV prevention and education for the entire Big Bend region.

Participants can pre-order shirts until September 2, after that, a limited amount of extra shirts will be for sale at the event for $15.

Individual community members, school and university groups, companies, and faith groups can register to walk as individuals or as part of a team.

Walkers are encouraged to also become fundraisers and help Big Bend Cares reach the goal of $10,000. After a memorial walk around the Southwood Nature Trail (starting at the intersection of Ivy Green Trail and Grove Park Dr.), all walkers are invited to gather and listen to speakers and music.

The Tallahassee AIDS Walk works to raise awareness and funds to support HIV programs in the community.

All proceeds will benefit Tallahassee’s three local HIV/AIDS service organizations.

For more information, visit BIG BEND CARES.