A Legacy of Advocacy

• 1983: The AIDS Action Committee is founded – initially as a committee of the Fenway Community Health Center – to respond to the epidemic. AIDS Action remains the largest AIDS service organization in New England.
• 1986: The first AIDS Walk Boston, then called “From All Walks of Life,” is held on Boston Common. 
• 1988: AIDS Walk Boston raises over $1 million for the first time. AIDS Action and its volunteers establish the HIV Treatment Education Library (now known as AIDS Action’s Health Library).
• 1990: There are almost 3,000 AIDS cases in Massachusetts; over one third are clients of AIDS Action.
• 1993: AIDS Walk Boston has its biggest year, with 35,000 participants and over $3 million raised.
• 1994: AIDS Action works to get an AIDS education curriculum and condoms into schools in Boston and 28 other school districts.
• 1995: AIDS Action helps to secure passage of legislation requiring health insurers that pay for prescriptions to cover HIV/AIDS medication.
• 1996: With new HIV regimens involving many daily doses and pills, AIDS Action launches an adherence program to help people keep up with HIV medication regimens.
• 2000: Youth on Fire, a drop-in center for homeless and street-involved youth ages 14 to 24, opens in Harvard Square, Cambridge.
• 2001: AIDS Walk Boston launches its website and online donations are accepted for the first time.
• 2005: The Walk’s Wellness Festival makes its debut, promoting healthy living for all participants.
• 2013: AIDS Action Committee marks its 30th year serving the community.
• 2021: The 35th AIDS Walk Boston is held.
• 2023: AIDS Walk Boston becomes Strides For Action.