I’m walking in this year’s AIDS Walk Las Vegas to support Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) — because the need for HIV/AIDS services in our community has never been more urgent.

Recent federal budget proposals have included significant cuts to HIV/AIDS programs, including a proposed $239 million reduction to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and the elimination of initiatives like the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative and the Minority AIDS Initiative (KFF, Nadler.house.gov). These cuts would threaten the availability of life-saving services across the country, including here in Nevada.

AFAN, the oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization in Nevada, provides critical support to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Their services include:

• Housing and utility assistance

• Food vouchers and nutritional counseling

• Connection to medical care and medications

• Mental health support services

• Transportation assistance to medical appointments

• HIV prevention education and testing outreach (Mightycause AFAN profile).

Your donation helps ensure that AFAN can continue providing these essential services to the people who need them most. Every contribution strengthens their ability to offer care, support, and advocacy in a time when resources are under threat.

Thank you for standing with me—and with our community.