With funding to New Mexico AIDS Services facing state and federal cuts, Saturday's AIDS Walk is especially important, said Maggie Smith, director of resource development.
Cuts to its budget were made July 1, Smith said. But since that time, the money was given back to the program, she said.
"That was great for us, because it gives us the opportunity to keep providing programs." Smith said. But they let us know that more cuts are coming next year. "What we are pushing is to let the community know that it's more important than ever for the community to get behind NMAS."
Smith said if people show they think the services are important, state leaders will do the same.
Beginning at 8 a.m. with breakfast from Wild Oats and Starbucks, participants in the AIDS Walk will gather at UNM's Johnson Field for a 5K walk east on Central Avenue toward the Nob Hill area. There will also be free and confidential AIDS and hepatitis A and B tests.
After the walk, local band Soular will play while participants relax from the 3.1-mile trek.
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Among the expected 3,500 participants are UNM's Black Student Union, ROTC, Asian Students in America, the School of Law, the Honors Student Advisory Council, sororities and fraternities.
"We chose to participate because we are a service-based group, and we thought it was an important cause," said Allison Hudson, president of the Honors Student Advisory Council. "We've done it in the past, and we've always found it really enjoyable."
Vice President Sarah Blankenship said the group wants to collaborate with the community and show its support of NMAS.
"We realize that AIDS is a prevalent issue that affects a lot of people and we need to be aware of that," she said.
Asian Students in America President Trang Le said her club members thought it was important to help because the walk is on the UNM campus.
"It's nice to get into the community and help," she said. "A lot of people in the group are interested."
Smith said anyone can participate, even if they are not on a team. There is no registration fee, but participants are urged to donate.
The Animal Humane Association of New Mexico and the Watermelon Mountain Ranch will also rent dogs for participants to walk.
Smith said none of the money raised will leave the state. NMAS will be using it to fund programs for its 650 clients per year, she said.
NMAS provides services that include an emotional support program, a food bank, home health care, housing and women's and men's health groups.
Saturday's walk is not the only time NMAS needs help, Smith said. Throughout the year people can volunteer to help with office duties, the food bank, preventative education and street outreach.
"This is a great time for community members to come out and show their support for NMAS," Smith said.
