Okay so I already told you all that I am going to get my Superlesbian on and walk in the 5K Aids Walk Miami this year. Go me! (… as long as I don’t pass out that is.)

Whether you make it rain (or drizzle) on my goal or not I want you to know some facts that I recently learned about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Florida.

Thanks to Joe from Care Resource  for reminding me of some things I did know and hipping me to some that I didn’t.

1.  AIDS Walk Miami has raised over $2 million since starting 24 years ago .  86 cents (or 86%) of every dollar raised goes directly to fund Care Resource and Food for Life Network HIV/AIDS services in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.  All the funds are used locally in Miami-Dade and Broward.

2.  Even though HIV/AIDS treatment is becoming increasingly effective, Miami-Dade and Broward rank #1 and #2 in the nation in new HIV infections.  That’s very alarming news to our community.  We have to slow it down.

And to my 3.5 straight blog readers, trust me it isn’t only US that are accounting for the number. HIV/AIDS is not a gay issue… not a IV drug user issue… this is a PEOPLE issue.

3. With recent cuts in federal funding, many people living in Miami-Dade and Broward can not afford medical care and treatment and need our help.  Care Resource does not turn anyone away; they treat anyone regardless of their ability to pay.

As a result of last year’s Walk, Care Resource was able to do the following in 2011:

• Service over 18,000 client encounters
• Deliver over 40,000 meals to home-bound clients
• Perform over 12,000 HIV and STD screenings
• Actively participate in 13 HIV/AIDS clinical trials
• Grow pediatric care and dental services

* I am so happy that my original goal was already surpassed by two AWESOME folks that wanted to remain anonymous and had no problem giving me a dollar.*