Wave Staff and Wire Reports
WEST HOLLYWOOD — The annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles returns to West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., at 9 a.m. Oct. 16.
It is the first time since 2019 AIDS Walk Los Angeles is being held. This year’s theme is “Be All Over It.” We’re over talking. We’re over people living with HIV not in care. We’re over the assault on our rights happening across the nation.
“Our passion and energy for change is still as strong today as it was at the very first AIDS Walk Los Angeles,” said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health, which organizes the walk. “Only now, we see a world in which attentions have been diverted elsewhere, where health care rights are threatened at the highest levels, and where access to quality health care isn’t guaranteed for all.
“For 39 years, APLA Health has been doing the work to increase access to care, provide resources for underserved communities, and fight for HIV advocacy. Unfortunately, there is substantial progress to be made in the fight for health care justice.”
AIDS Walk Los Angeles raises funds and builds support and awareness of the continuing need to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Los Angeles County. Funds directly support APLA Health, formerly AIDS Project Los Angeles, as well as other HIV/AIDS service organizations across Los Angeles County.
There are many ways to participate at AIDS Walk Los Angeles including walking, volunteering and sponsorship.
This year’s walk is being supported by more than 30 sponsors. Since 1985, AIDS Walk Los Angeles has drawn hundreds of thousands of supporters to walk, and millions more to donate, raising more than $92 million to combat HIV and AIDS.
Due to the walk, there will be limited street and lane closures in West Hollywood. Drivers should expect delays and plan accordingly.
Street closures include North San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 16.
Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Southbound lane at the intersection of La Cienega and Santa Monica boulevards and both northbound lanes at the intersection of Doheny Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The westbound lane on Melrose Avenue between Robertson Boulevard and Doheny Drive will be limited to local access and vehicles will not be allowed to enter the intersection at Doheny Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard.
The West Hollywood Park dog parks and basketball courts will be closed Oct. 15 and 16.
To avoid traffic and parking delays, event participants are encouraged to use alternative modes of transportation such as ride sharing services or buses. Some public parking lots will offer a limited amount of parking at the following locations for a fee.
To register or for more information, visit www.aidswalkla.org.
