The 23rd annual AIDS Walk Washington, which raises funds for HIV/AIDS services at Whitman-Walker Clinic, will take place Saturday, Oct. 3.

The event, held at Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street, NW), begins with a rally at 8:30 am. The 5K run will begin at 9:00 am and the walk steps off at 9:15 am. People who wish to participate can register, donate money or volunteer by calling 202-332-WALK or by visiting www.aidswalkwashington.org.

“AIDS Walk is our largest one-day fundraiser of the year and brings in crucial money for HIV/AIDS care at Whitman-Walker Clinic,” said Donald Blanchon, chief executive officer of Whitman-Walker Clinic. “We know for sure that three percent of the adult population in DC is HIV-positive, but the actual number of infected people could be five to eight percent. With such a large population in need of services, we need every last dollar to be able to provide medical care, mental health care and other services.”

The funds raised by the AIDS Walk will go directly to HIV/AIDS services at Whitman-Walker Clinic, including medical care, dental care, mental health care, medications and legal assistance.

Established in 1978, Whitman-Walker Clinic is a non-profit, community-based provider of health care in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Through two sites in the District of Columbia, the Clinic offers primary medical and dental care; mental health and addictions counseling and treatment; HIV education, prevention, and testing; legal services; and medical adherence case management. Whitman-Walker Clinic is committed to meeting the health needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and people living with HIV/AIDS.