LGBT resource center AIDS walk in Imperial Valley

The LGBT resource center in Imperial Valley is having an AIDS walk this Thursday

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - World AIDS day takes place on December 1 every year and the LGBT resource center is having a walk.

World AIDS day has been observed since 1988 and this year one local group in Imperial County is holding a walk in honor of it.

The world aids day walk is a great way to remember those who have passed or have hiv.

This Thursday, the LGBT resource center is having its first aids walk event to help the community understand what HIV is.

“Our goal is to educate the community and we know that 1980 it was very scary because many people did not understand the virus," said Rosa Diaz, founder and CEO of the center.

The event is starting with a resource fair and about ten resource organizations are set to be there. Entertainment will start 4:00pm, the walk starting at 5:15pm, guest speakers will also be there and are set to speak at 6:00pm.

“It will be a mile point eight so we are asking that you bring comfortable shoes and also cozy up because it’s going to be cold also bring lights if you have them because it’s going to be dark in some areas, we want everyone to be safe, everyone to have a good time,” said Diaz.

The event will also provide free HIV testing, monkey pox vaccines, free Uber rides and free Covid-19 booster vaccine.

A resident who shared his story with me says that his partner passed away at their home to HIV.

"He died and ever since then it has been very hard... I struggled a lot with depression... i isolated myself from everybody and I did not want to live," said Juan Rosales.

Rosales is now helping others to understand what HIV is and encourages others to educate themselves when it comes to HIV.