40th annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles steps up on October 13 in West Hollywood

AIDS Walk Los Angeles celebrates its 40th year on Sunday, October 13 at 10am in West Hollywood.

ABC7 is a proud sponsor of the event, which will take place at West Hollywood Park, 647 N San Vicente Blvd.

The walk's purpose is to raise funds and build support and awareness of HIV/AIDS. Money raised through this event benefits APLA Health and other HIV/AIDS organizations in Los Angeles County.

Craig Bowers, the chief marketing and external affairs officer at APLA Health, spoke with Eyewitness News on the success and significance of AIDS Walk Los Angeles.

"Our passion and energy for change is still as strong today as it was at the very first AIDS Walk Los Angeles," Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health, said. "Only now, we see a world in which attentions have been diverted elsewhere, where healthcare rights are threatened at the highest levels, and where access to quality healthcare isn't guaranteed for all."

Thompson continued, "For 40 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 healthcare justice."

Support Team ABC7 & Disney PRIDE by purchasing merchandise from the ABC7 Pride collection!

For more information, visit aidswalk.la.

Funds raised are a vital lifeline that sustains APLA Health's programs and services benefiting more than 19,000 individuals living in Los Angeles County.