Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in recognition of the 8th Annual Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival, which will take place on March 24th at Fort Lauderdale Beach. Each year, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) organizes the 5K walk in order to raise awareness and funds to help support services for the estimated 145,000 Floridians living with HIV/AIDS:
"It is with great honor and pride that I recognize AHF and its partners for organizing the Florida AIDS Walk. It is truly an excellent opportunity to bring the South Florida community together and promote an open, honest dialogue about HIV/AIDS. As a society, we must continue to address stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and raise awareness about the disease.
"HIV/AIDS continues to have a profound impact on the State of Florida, which leads the country in new HIV cases as well as ranks second and third for new and existing AIDS cases, respectively. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to improve the lives of individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and to supporting research, prevention, and treatment efforts to create an AIDS-free generation. Knowing one's status through regular testing and having access to antiretroviral drugs remain among our most powerful tools in preventing the spread of HIV.
"AHF has done an incredible job expanding access to lifesaving HIV treatment and services over the past 25 years. In particular, I am pleased that the 2013 Florida AIDS Walk will directly benefit so many great community organizations in Florida, including Broward House, Latinos Salud, The League Against AIDS, Inc., Minority Development and Empowerment, Inc., The Pride Center at Equality Park, Sunshine Social Services, Inc., and The Village South/Westcare. Together, they provide invaluable services to many of my constituents and other Florida residents impacted by HIV/AIDS.
"There is no doubt in my mind that this year's Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival will be bigger and better than the last. Once again, I commend AHF and its partners, as well as each and every single volunteer, donor, and participant, for making the Florida AIDS Walk a success year after year."
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.
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