AUSTIN, Texas -- Austinites gathered downtown for AIDS Walk Austin.

The 31st annual event benefits AIDS Services of Austin and nine other local organizations that support those living with HIV through either counseling or medical care.

In Central Texas, about 300 people test positive for HIV each year. The theme for this year is "getting to zero", in the hopes of eradicating transmission by the year 2030. Resources were available for people, but organizers say it is important to have this event to show people they are not alone.

"People still need support. We have great organizations at the walk. We have over 10 sharing agencies and we have a great community here, to make sure that people have the resources they need to get access to medications, access to medical care, as well as access to support services so they can actually thrive and live with HIV, because HIV is no longer a death sentence,” said Paul Scott.

AIDS services of Austin administered more than 5,000 tests in 2017. You can find more about the services provided or get tested for free by visiting the AIDS Services of Austin website.