Get Ready for the 2024 DAP Health Equity Walk

If you thought this event was just about walking, think again! It’s designed to be a tribute to unity, with an incredible lineup of activities to keep you entertained from start to finish.

The excitement just keeps on building for one of the most highly anticipated community events of the year — the joyous, inspiring, and impactful 2024 DAP Health Equity Walk!

As always, it promises to be a vibrant celebration of health equity and community spirit that raises funds to support the lifesaving services offered by one of the premier health care nonprofits in Southern California.

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So, mark your calendars for Saturday, October 26, then head on over bright and early to Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs to kick off a day of fun that makes a real, lasting difference!

A Full Day of Festivities

If you thought this event was just about walking, think again! It’s designed to be a tribute to unity, with an incredible lineup of activities to keep you entertained from start to finish.

  • Youth Activity Tent: Fun for the whole family! Bring your kids along for engaging activities designed just for them.
  • Snacks A-Go-Go: Thanks to partners like Koffi and Sysco, you’ll stay fueled and energized with delicious snacks and refreshments.
  • Fire Truck & SWAT Vehicle Display: A hit with the kids — and adults! Get up close and personal with the real thing. Firefighters will be on hand to talk about their work.
  • Yoga Stretch: Start your day on the right foot with a soothing yoga stretching session led by Urban Yoga’s Kristin Olson at 7:45 a.m. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or just looking to loosen up before the Walk, this is a golden opportunity.
  • A Trio of Food Trucks: Don’t forget to come hungry! A trio of food trucks will be on site, ready to satisfy all your cravings.
  • HIV/AIDS Memorial Wall: Take a moment to share your thoughts, wishes, or memories. This is a space for reflection and connection, where you can honor loved ones affected by or lost to the epidemic.
  • Doggie Fashion Show & Kissing Booth: You didn’t think we’d forget about your furry, four-legged friends, did you? Bring your dogs along for the cutest event of the day — a fashion show where pups can strut their stuff in style. And for those extra doggie smooches, stop by the kissing booth!

Why You Should Join the Walk

The DAP Health Equity Walk (formerly known as the Desert AIDS Walk) is much more than a charity event. It’s an opportunity to come together with people from all walks of life who are passionate about the same cause — ensuring every one of our neighbors has access to quality, culturally competent health care.

Whether you’re a seasoned Walker or someone who’s choosing to participate for the first time, this is the perfect chance to lace up your sneakers and improve lives. Every dollar raised supports DAP Health’s mission to provide comprehensive health care and support services where all people are seen, heard, and affirmed.

By walking, donating, volunteering, or sponsoring, you’re helping provide critical services such as HIV care, mental health support, gender-affirming care, free HIV and STI testing, and more. Health equity means every individual deserves access to care, regardless of their background, identity, or financial situation.

More Program Highlights

  • The official program kicks off at 8:00 a.m. with NBC Palm Springs’ Olivia Sandusky and Mark Mester hosting.

  • DAP Health CEO David Brinkman will speak alongside local dignitaries who champion health equity.

  • Fitness guru Ted Guice and his crew will lead an exhilarating warmup session. (Don’t worry, cooling towels will be provided to keep you refreshed.)

  • DJ Modgirl will keep the good vibes going with a killer playlist before, during, and after the Walk.

  • Post-Walk performances by the Nickerson-Rossi Dance Academy and the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus will offer a wonderful end to a day that puts the fun back into fundraising.

  • Make an even bigger splash by trying your hand at the dunk tank, where you might just soak Brinkman, Mester, and other local celebrities and leaders in the name of health equity!

Sign Up Today!

To join the Walk — or to donate, volunteer, or explore sponsorship opportunities — visit any of DAP Health’s four Revivals stores (in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, or Indio), or sign up directly at healthequitywalk.org.

Let’s come together to show that health care is not a privilege but a human right.


Author

Since 1984, DAP Health has remained committed to protecting and expanding health care access. Guided by the voices and needs of the diverse communities it serves, the nonprofit provides medical and social services to people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, orientations, and socioeconomic statuses at 23 fixed locations and eight mobile units from the Coachella Valley to the San Diego coast.

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