In October 2015, the Public Health Scholars participated in the Walk to End HIV. The 5K walk is an annual fundraiser launched by Whitman-Walker Health, a non-profit community-based health organization which provides comprehensive and accessible health care to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. All money raised by the walk goes to support the HIV programs and services of Whitman-Walker Health.

To raise awareness about the threat posed by HIV, Whitman-Walker launched an education campaign called “Superheroes Don’t Fly, They Walk to End HIV.” Participants came to the walk dressed in superhero costumes, showing anyone can be a hero against the virus.

“The Walk to End HIV was special because it was more than a simple fund-raising effort; not only did we contribute to empowering individuals who have HIV, but we actively witnessed them becoming empowered,” said Abhishek Patel, a freshman Public Health Scholar. “It is a real example of many of the strategies we discuss in our public Health health classes: effective, and active public health education, and large, community-based fund-raising.”