Thousands of walkers participate in AIDS Walk Los Angeles each October, and organizers are hoping to sign as many people up as possible.
The event begins and ends in West Hollywod, and benefits AIDS Project Los Angeles.

AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) has announced that 30,000 people are expected to take to the streets of the local area in October for the 24th annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles, and organizers are hoping to sign up many more people for the event, which raises funds for a dozen health providers serving people living with HIV and AIDS.

The walk takes place on October 19 and coincides this year with the release of troubling new information on an expanding HIV/AIDS epidemic. A recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report revealed that new annual HIV infections across the United States are 40 percent higher than previous estimates. New reports also document rising infection rates among gay and bisexual men and a surging epidemic among people of color.

"The disease is outpacing our efforts to control it," said Craig E. Thompson, executive director for the APLA. "Still, only one in 20 gay and bisexual men globally have access to HIV prevention, treatment and care. And over 60,000 people, more than ever before, are living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County."