University of South Florida

HIV/AIDS Walk Registration Deadline Extended

TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2009) – Procrastinators and the undecided now have more time to register for the University of South Florida Institute on Black Life’s first HIV/AIDS Walk: “Walking for the Cure” scheduled for Dec. 12 from 7 a.m. to noon.  The new registration deadline is Nov. 15 to participate in an enjoyable way to raise funds for research and to build awareness about the latest information available about the disease.

Walkers of all ages and at all strength levels are being urged to approach friends, neighbors, co-workers and others to sponsor their participation.  The money raised will go to HIV/AIDS research.  Walking categories range from half a lap to three laps:

•  3 laps – Red Running Robins

•  2 laps – White Walking Seagulls

•  1 lap – Barely Budging Blue Birds

•  ½ lap – Purple Poke-A-Longs

“It is important to start lining up sponsors as quickly as possible,” said organizer Clara Cobb, Institute on Black Life (IBL) coordinator.  “And more walkers are always needed – young and elderly.  We are already attracting people who have walked before, many from across the country, but we also intend to bring in those who never have done this kind of thing but think they want to give it a try.  They need to know how important it is, how relatively easy it is and how inspiring it is for themselves, their fellow walkers and the people they’re helping.”

The USF Department of Africana Studies offers instruction and opportunities for research in the areas of health and health disparities.  Students can pursue these objectives through the department’s Master of Liberal Arts in Africana Studies program or the Diaspora Health and Health Disparities Graduate Certificate offered jointly with the College of Public Health. 

“Issues related to HIV/AIDS, the quality of life of those who survive it, its prevention, and its cure, all point to the critical need for research in the areas of health and the political and socio-economic disparities that can undermine one’s ability to live a healthy life,” Cobb said.  “We need everyone to help fight for this important cause and support research for a cure.” 

In addition to IBL, sponsors include the USF Athletics Department, the Hillsborough County Black Nurses Association, Hillsborough County Pastors on Patrol, the Hillsborough County Health Department, the USF Department of Africana Studies, Tropicana, USF Physical Plant, Tampa Black Leadership Commission on Aids, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, USF Police Department and the Tampa Francis House Program.

For more information and to register, contact Clara Cobb (813) 974-9387 or e-mail ccobb@ibl.usf.edu.  Registration is $25 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children (16 and under).  Corporate sponsorships are $250.  Checks should be made payable to: USF’s Institute on Black Life and sent to 4202 East Fowler Avenue, FAO 274, Tampa, Florida 33620; in the memo line: HIV/AIDS Walk.

Barbara Melendez
News Coordinator
University Communications & Marketing
813-974-4563
bmelendez@admin.usf.edu

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