DAP Health Announces Date, Sponsors, Hosts, Timeline for Its 2024 Health Equity Walk
The popular event — whose 2024 slogan is “Because Health Care is a Human Right” — kicks off at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 26 at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary of protecting and expanding health care access for every member of all the diverse populations it serves, DAP Health looks forward to another popular and profitable DAP Health Equity Walk, whose slogan for 2024 is “Because Health Care is a Human Right.”
Brought to you by Presenting Sponsor Desert Care Network, the fun begins at 7:30 a.m. at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs — with the Walk’s official kickoff happening at 8:45 a.m. — on Saturday, October 26.
The pet- and kid-friendly affair invites all Coachella Valley residents to raise funds, either by walking or endorsing walkers. This effort supports the diverse individuals served by DAP Health across 25 locations from the Coachella Valley to the San Diego coast, helping them achieve optimal health in a more just system.
“All of us at DAP Health are so proud that we can put the invaluable lessons we have learned over the last four decades to use in improving the lives of members of the rainbow of communities that exist throughout Southern California,” says DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. “Every dollar raised by our generous participants and their supporters will go to fund health equity for all people.”
Formerly known as the Desert AIDS Walk, the event began in 1987 to bring the desert community together to raise funds for those who lack access to the care they need and deserve. It is a known fact that many members of the LGBTQ+ community in the Coachella Valley and beyond have historically been among those most dramatically underserved when it comes to equitable health care — a fact that unfortunately remains so in 2024. This year and every year we will honor those we have lost. That’s why we will walk out loud on October 26. We will walk out loud for health equity. We will walk out loud because health care is a human right — for everyone.
The DAP Health Equity Walk Timeline
7:30 a.m.
Registration opens at Ruth Hardy Park, with the hot spins of DJ Modgirl getting the energy going. The Health & Wellness Village sponsored by Walgreens and the DAP Health AIDS Memorial Wall both return by popular demand. Attendees can visit various community partners’ booths.
7:45 a.m.
Kristin Olson of Urban Yoga leads a morning yoga stretch.
8:00 a.m.
The official program begins, hosted by key media sponsor NBC Palm Springs news personalities Mark Mester and the Emmy-winning Olivia Sandusky. Speakers include DAP Health CEO David Brinkman and Board Chair Patrick Jordan.
Desert Care Network, Walgreens, and major sponsor Revivals make check presentations.
8:30 a.m.
Ted Guice leads a pre-Walk warmup.
8:45 a.m.
The Walk kicks off!
10:15 a.m.
Walkers begin to return to the park. Food trucks are onsite, selling their wares.
10:30 a.m.
A musical performance is followed by DAP Health’s “Make a Splash” dunk tank, where participants can purchase three throws for $50 (in advance or day-of) to get three attempts at getting CEO David Brinkman and other surprise guests all wet — all in the name of health equity for all.
“Desert Care Network has been a proud and stalwart supporter of DAP Health since the very beginning,” says Chief Executive Officer of Desert Regional Medical Center and Desert Care Network Michele Finney. “We’ve always understood that the organization is not only an invaluable community partner to us, but a galvanizing force for the health of every member of all the assorted communities it serves. It wouldn’t be fall in Palm Springs without the Health Equity Walk, and it wouldn’t be the Health Equity Walk without Desert Care Network.”
For more information about DAP Health’s 2024 Health Equity Walk, or to register to participate, please visit HealthEquityWalk.org.
Walk out loud on October 26.
Walk out loud for health equity.
Walk out loud because health care is a human right!