CHARLOTTE — Looking to raise awareness of their upcoming AIDS Walk, the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) teamed up with Adams Outdoor Advertising to display two billboards advertising the May 1 event.

The 14th annual AIDS Walk Charlotte, the largest HIV/AIDS fundraising event in the Carolinas, will be held May 1 in Uptown Charlotte. RAIN hopes the two billboards, placed at South Boulevard near Remount Rd. and on Third St. near Charlottetown Ave., will help in their fundraising efforts.

RAIN says increased needs have been brought on by significant decreases in state and federal funds. Organizers fear the cuts will threaten the sustainability of many individual and community support programs offered by the group, even as the number of individuals seeking services has increased 70 percent in recent months.

Last fall, Metrolina AIDS Project shut down amid leadership controversies after years-long financial difficulties. Established in 1986, Metrolina AIDS Project had been the largest AIDS service organization in the Carolinas. Compounding increased needs are recent announcements that new enrollment in the state’s AIDS drug assistance program have been capped; the program provides financial assistance for medications to low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

RAIN and Adams Outdoor Advertising estimate their billboards will be seen by as many as 35,000 motorists each day.

info: carolinarain.org . adamsoutdoor.com