AIDS Walk Delaware continues international effort

It was an overcast, dreary start to the morning of Sept. 21, but the sun eventually came out, and with it, vendors’ tents and walkers.

Before long, Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach was bustling with people – all supporters for AIDS Walk Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium. This year was the 38th annual AIDS Walk Delaware, and it was particularly special, as the walk coincided with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace.

Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills presented Tyler Berl, executive director of the Delaware HIV Consortium, with a proclamation declaring Sept. 21 as AIDS Walk Delaware Day in Rehoboth Beach.

As of this August, 4,007 people are living with HIV in Delaware, with 60 new cases reported so far this year, according to the Delaware Health and Social Services Division of Public Health.

“From the very beginning, AIDS walks have sparked movements, bringing attention to the urgent need for treatment, care and prevention,” said Berl. “Today, we carry that same torch here in Delaware, continuing a national and international effort to end HIV for good. Today, we are walking not only here in Rehoboth Beach, but also alongside walkers in Wilmington, as part of a statewide effort.”