The Erie County Department of Health and members of the Erie County HIV Task Force will host the 8th Annual Erie County HIV Awareness Walk on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 5p.m.
Walkers will gather behind the West Perry Square stage, at 575 State Street for the approximate 1 mile walk. We invite all to walk, stroll, roll and help to raise awareness about HIV [the virus that causes AIDS]. Participants can enjoy refreshments, testing, and education opportunities. You can RVSP online via our Facebook event by clicking here.
The Erie County Department of Health and the Erie County HIV Task Force members are working together to combat this disease by building a culture of compassion, understanding and care to those living with HIV and those at risk for contracting the infection. HIV has been a part of the US experience for over 40 years. The annual awareness walk is one aspect of the task force’s collaborative efforts to meet the needs of the HIV community in Erie County.
We strongly encourage everyone ages 13 to 65 in Erie County, who is sexually active or IV drug users, to get tested annually for HIV. It’s important that HIV testing becomes a routine practice in all healthcare settings. Erie County residents are encouraged to make their personal health a priority and request screening and testing for HIV as part of their medical care.
Everyone can help prevent the spread of HIV. Talk to your healthcare provider about HIV testing and discuss ways you can reduce your risk of HIV. Please visit the Erie County HIV Task Force’s online map for a list of organizations throughout the county that offer free confidential HIV testing as well as sites that provide free condoms. The Erie County Health Department has Sexual Health Clinics weekly for HIV testing. Call 814-451-6737 for information or to set up an appointment.
We’re excited this year to have several local organization and healthcare entities join us in participating and sponsoring the walk. If we work together, we can make a positive difference in the fight against HIV in Erie County.
Walk participants will also receive a gift bag of useful items and literature supplied by members of the Erie County HIV Task Force. Come join us as we increase HIV awareness to our Erie PA community.