Beth and Russ Milham recognized with Hope Harris Award and Congressional
Proclamation as APRI marks 40 years of care, advocacy, and impact
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI- Today, AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI), hosted its 10th annual Run/Walk for Life at Pierce Field in East Providence, drawing hundreds of participants in a moving celebration of community, remembrance, and advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Held during APRI’s milestone 40th anniversary year, the event highlighted both how far the public health response to HIV has come—and how far there is to go. Since 1985, APRI has been a vital force in Rhode Island, supporting thousands through free testing, prevention education, and compassionate care.
“AIDS Project Rhode Island has always shown what it means to care for
people—especially in times of fear and stigma,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of
Family Service of Rhode Island. “This event is a celebration of that legacy, and a call to
keep pushing forward until we see zero new infections.”
A central moment of this year’s Run/Walk was the presentation of the 2025 Hope Harris Award to longtime advocates Beth and Russ Milham. In addition to receiving APRI’s highest honor, the Milhams were also presented with a certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), commending their decades of leadership and outreach through the AIDS Memorial Quilt and broader HIV/AIDS advocacy.
“Forty years ago, the AIDS Project Rhode Island was born out of a crisis. Today, it stands as a shining example of how committed individuals can rise up with urgency, courage, and purpose to make a difference,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “As we recognize the progress we’ve achieved and solemnly honor those we’ve lost, we must continue to speak out for critical public health funding and foreign aid programs that diagnose and treat this disease. I’ll continue to work in Congress to make sure that we do not move backward in our effort to ending HIV/AIDS both at home and abroad.”
This is the fifth year the city of East Providence has hosted the community event.
“This event is more than a walk—it’s a statement that East Providence stands with those affected by HIV and AIDS,” said East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva. “We are proud to host the Run/Walk for Life because it brings awareness, honors the lives lost, and reinforces our shared commitment to compassion, equity, and health for all.”
Proceeds from the Run/Walk support APRI’s essential programming, including free HIV and STI testing, case management, mental health services, and prevention efforts
targeting vulnerable populations across the state.
“The support we receive from this event is life-changing,” said David Martins, Director of AIDS Project Rhode Island. “It allows us to provide free testing, prevention education, mental health care, and case management to individuals who might otherwise go without. Every dollar raised helps us reach people where they are, reduce stigma, and move closer to a Rhode Island where no one is left behind in the fight against HIV.”
The day featured remembrance ceremonies, live music, resource tables from local partners, and a vibrant group of walkers and runners of all ages. The 2025 Run/Walk reinforced APRI’s ongoing call for expanded access, funding, and awareness in the journey toward ending the HIV epidemic.
For more information or to support APRI’s mission, visit https://aidsprojectri.org.
About FSRI
At Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI), we succeed by lifting others. Founded in 1892, our long history of non-profit service has always been tailored to meet the unique and ever-changing needs of the diverse Rhode Island community in which we serve. We have three offices located in Providence, but our employees provide impactful services state-wide. We are engaged, committed, and passionate about our work helping others, and care deeply about our mission to advance equity, opportunity, and hope in our communities.
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