Having raised $500 last year, the AIDS Walk Organization is hoping to raise $300 this year to help those in the community living with HIV and AIDS with unexpected expenses.

In cooperation with Mid-Iowa Community Action and the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center, the AIDS Walk student organization on campus will hold the second annual AIDS Walk on Central Campus at 10 a.m. Saturday beginning at the Sloss House.

“People don’t realize how expensive it is to buy medication when you have HIV and AIDS,” said Janelle Durlin, Living With HIV program coordinator for Mid-Iowa Community Action.

According to Durlin, the average person with HIV spends nearly $1,000 on medication per month, and a lot of that is not covered by medical insurance.

“Once a person develops this virus, their immune system isn’t as strong, so they are constantly getting minor sicknesses, such as the flu, which also adds to prescription costs,” Durlin said. “It also affects their ability to work, which completely depends on the health status of the person.”

Durlin said there are approximately 19 people in Story County living with HIV and AIDS. Marcia Purdy, senior in women’s studies, said she feels the AIDS Walk is one of the only ways Story County will get assistance.

“AIDS isn’t getting a lot of attention right now, and it seems to have fallen off the media radar. We want students to know that it’s still out there and its still very threatening,” Purdy said.

Organizers are expecting 30 to 40 people compared to last year’s 50 to kick things off. Participants will walk once around Central Campus as a tribute to those living with HIV and AIDS. There is a $10 registration fee and no minimum donation limit, although organizers are asking for $20 per person.

Durlin counsels more than 40 people in Story County and the surrounding counties with AIDS, and she encourages students to get tested. Free testing is offered through the Thielen Student Health Center on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary, testing is free and results are generally received within a week.

“It is so important for anyone who has had unprotected sex, if only once, to get tested.” Durlin said. “Nobody ever expects it.”