CSUN Health Education Student Organization (HESO) held its first meeting in order to give information regarding its attendance to the AIDS Walk in Los Angeles this upcoming month.

HESO has been active on campus for over 20 years, striving to inspire a sense of community among students. This organization also supports and creates awareness with campus services in relation to the promotion of health.

The organization is currently participating in the 10K fundraising walk held in Grand Park on Oct. 23

Celebrity guests, AIDS activists, music artists, and elected officials will also attend the event along with supporters raising money to fight HIV and AIDS.

“Not a lot of people are aware of events like this and we encourage others to participate in supporting our community,” Alejandra Valle,CSUN HESO president, said.

Funds raised at the event will help with APLA Health’s prevention, care, and advocacy programs for all those affected by the disease in Los Angeles County.

Gabriela Cardenas, senior public health major, attended the meeting to benefit from the opportunities offered by this organization.

“I didn’t know about the AIDS walk until coming to the meeting,” Cardenas said.

Stephanie Zuniga is the Public Relations Coordinator for HESO and her goals for the semester is to get involved with community events.

“Be involved in causes around your community, it feels good to support,” Zuniga said.

Valle said the organization also provides students with networking, workshops, health tips, and volunteer opportunities. “You give and you get back,” Valle said.

The Aids Walk will begin at 10 a.m. and usually takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

If you would like to sign up and walk with HESO members this upcoming month, email heso.csun@gmail.com for more information.