Community Unites for 38th Annual AIDS Walk Orange County

AIDS Walk Orange County 2024.

On Saturday, September 14th, 2024, Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa will host AIDS Walk Orange County. Starting at 6:30 p.m., this annual event brings together supporters, advocates and those affected by HIV/AIDS for an evening of solidarity, fundraising and community spirit. Join Radiant Health Centers once again for a night of entertainment and unity in support of a vital, inspiring cause.

A Spectacular Night at AIDS Walk Orange County 2024

The 38th AIDS Walk Orange County has been transformed this year into a neon-lit evening gathering. Breaking from tradition, our 2024 event offers participants a celebratory evening walk illuminated by bright lights and glow sticks.

The centerpiece is the “Glow Walk”, bringing together friends, family and community members under the stars! But the experience doesn’t end there. Attendees will enjoy a lively festival atmosphere complete with a silent disco, a performance from MenAlive, a busy vendor fair, an array of food trucks and so much more.

To cap off the evening, we invite you to join us at Strut in Costa Mesa for an exclusive, ticketed after-party. This vibrant celebration will feature drinks, dancing and drag queen performances hosted by Miss Livinya Karr.

The Importance of AIDS Walk Orange County

At Radiant Health Centers, we have consistently promoted the importance of knowing your status to end the HIV epidemic. Access to HIV testing and treatment enables early detection, prevention of transmission – and the opportunity to break the cycle of infection. Our ability to deliver accessible, comprehensive HIV care is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. By attending AIDS Walk Orange County and donating to the fundraiser, you can help our mission to end HIV/AIDS.

Beyond vital testing and treatment services, your donations also contribute to a wide-reaching number of essential health and social services. From nutritional counseling and food pantry services to life skills and educational workshops, every dollar you give contributes to the goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Raising Funds to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic

Last year’s AIDS Walk Orange County was a resounding success, raising an impressive $120,000. As we take this year’s event to new heights, we invite you to be part of our mission. Your donation to AIDS Walk Orange County 2024 will help us surpass previous achievements and make an even greater impact.

With over 6,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the local Orange County community, we hope you can join us in Costa Mesa to offer your support to those affected and remember those we have lost, as we unite in the shared goal of eliminating this disease.

Take Part in AIDS Walk Orange County 2024

Join us for AIDS Walk Orange County in Costa Mesa and support people living with HIV/AIDS. If you need to access any of our medical services, including HIV testing, primary care services and counseling, call Radiant Health Centers at (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment today.

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Protecting Your Legacy During National Make-a-Will Month

Make-a-Will Month in Irvine.

August is National Make-a-Will Month, an annual event highlighting the importance of creating or updating your will. Estate planning is crucial for protecting loved ones and ensuring your final wishes are respected. By setting aside time this month to create a will or trust, you can provide security for your family and make a meaningful difference in your community’s future. For residents of Orange County, it’s also an opportunity to leave a lasting impact by donating to support healthcare in the community.

The Importance of Wills During Make-a-Will Month

Make-a-Will Month has played a significant role in highlighting the importance of creating and regularly updating a will. This month encourages individuals of all ages to take the step, which is often quicker and easier than they might think.

Documenting your wishes and formalizing your estate plans can bring significant relief, ensuring that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes. Without a will, the courts may determine the distribution of your assets. By creating a will you can provide security for your family and establish directives for your medical care – and even support causes close to your heart. These benefits all contribute to greater peace of mind during Make-a-Will Month.

Why Legacy Planning Matters

At its core, making a will is essentially creating a document that outlines your final wishes, but in practice, a will can be so much more. The decisions you make as you develop your estate plan can shape your legacy and make a lasting positive impact on future generations.

Giving a gift in your will or trust (whether a financial sum, an asset or a portion of your estate) can significantly support causes that you care about, and make a meaningful difference long after you’re gone. This form of charitable giving allows you to leave a legacy that supports the communities or organizations that matter most to you.

How Donations Make a Difference to Healthcare in Orange County

As Orange County’s leading LGBTQ+ medical clinic and a provider of healthcare to the entire community, we remain committed to expanding our services. From comprehensive HIV care to counseling, nutritional support and youth programs, we are constantly developing new ways to raise the standard of healthcare in the community.

During Make-a-Will Month you can support our mission by making a donation in your will or trust. Please also consider joining The Compassion Council to support people living with HIV and other health issues. Every contribution helps us reach more people who can benefit from compassionate care and life-sustaining programs.

Orange County’s Leading Health and HIV Care

At Radiant Health Centers, we provide HIV testing and treatment, counseling, primary care and many other services. You can support our mission to deliver world-class healthcare to Orange County patients with a donation. To reach our medical clinic, call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment today.

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Dispelling Common Misconceptions About STDs & STIs

Irvine STD misconceptions.

According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise. These findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention measures and accessible STD testing services. At Radiant Health Centers we are committed to providing easy access to a range of STD services in Orange County, including educating patients on some of the common misconceptions about STDs.

STD Rates Increasing Globally

The WHO report that was released earlier this year identified increases in rates of four curable STDs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis). These infections now account for more than one million new cases daily among adults ages 15 to 49. Syphilis cases are particularly concerning, with rates jumping from 7.1 million to 8 million between 2020 and 2022.

What Are the Common STD Myths?

Education and testing can reduce STD transmission rates. We’ve found that addressing common myths about STDs is one of the best ways to promote understanding. You may be familiar with the following beliefs, which are untrue.

STDs Always Have Noticeable Symptoms

Many STDs are asymptomatic or have minor symptoms. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea often present no symptoms at all, yet individuals can transmit both of these without realizing they carry the infection.

Condoms Are 100% Effective in Preventing STDs

Condoms are important for reducing the risk of STDs, but they do not offer complete protection. For instance, herpes and HPV can be transmitted through skin contact in areas not covered by the condom.

STDs Are Only Transmitted During Penetrative Sex

STDs are transmitted in various ways, including penetrative sex. Additional ways an infection may be transmitted include oral sex, intimate skin contact and sharing needles.

You Can’t Get STDs More Than Once

Many STDs (such as bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea) can be contracted many times. Unfortunately, successful treatment will not offer immunity against future infections. It’s also possible to be infected with different strains of viral STDs like herpes.

All STDs Can Be Cured

Many people assume STDs can be cured with antibiotics. However, viral STDs like herpes and HPV cannot be cured – treatment requires symptom management and reducing the risk of transmission.

Herpes Is Only Transmitted During an Active Outbreak

While herpes transmission is most likely during an active outbreak, it’s still possible to contract or transmit the virus when no clear symptoms are present. This is possible because the herpes virus can shed from the skin even when there are no visible sores.

You Don’t Need STD Testing if You Haven’t Had Many Sexual Partners

A person can contract an STD from a single sexual encounter. Regular testing is important for knowing your status and getting the right treatment. We offer STD testing at our LGBTQ+ medical clinic in Orange County.

Comprehensive STD Testing and Treatment in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers provides fast, confidential STD testing services at our Irvine clinic. For STI treatment, primary medical care, HIV testing and other services, contact us today. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment now.

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