The steps to an AIDS-FREE Generation



At last years International AIDS Conference, which received little mainstream media coverage or commentary from our local ASO's; we Heralded the goal of an AIDS-Free Generation by 2015. A call went out to Re-Tool our ASO & CBO's to take full advantage of all the tools and resources that we know have available. This has always been the aspiration of The South Bank "HIVe", building a Diverse, Accepting, Loving & Supportive CommUNITY of Northern Kentuckians Living with and Affected by HIV to Support the Goals and Vision of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

"The United States will become a place where new HIV infections are rare snd when they do occur, every person, regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic circumstance, will have unfettered access to high quality, life-extending care, Free from Stigma and Discrimination."

"Magic" and I were both diagnosed the same year and, indeed; Advocacy & Awareness were high priorities back then. However, as more drugs were developed, Federal Funding became available and the Deaths slacked off, so did the concern for Adv...ocacy. Funding and staffing for Advocacy and broad based Public Community Education decreased and the focus was shifted to the Demographics and Communities perceived to be at the Highest Risk. Now, 30+ years into the Epidemic we know that HIV does not discriminate and ALL demographics are at Risk, yet funding and staffing for Public Education (a major component of 2010's National HIV/AIDS Strategy) have not matched the need and the ASO's (AIDS Service Organizations & Community Based Organizations or CBO's) that receive Ryan White Care Act Funding have had to concentrate their funding, staff and resources on providing direct programs and services to an ever increasing case load of those who are newly infected.  

 

"Friends of The HIVe" is a new Kentucky Non-Profit (501(c)3) being organized  to provide financial and volunteer support for that purpose. The NEW Face of HIV Awareness, "Mr Friendly" pins, as well as the programs, resources and training developed will be used to enhance our "AESOP Initiative". Minimum suggested donation for a pin and voting membership is $1.00, project volunteerism or an in-kind donation for a project or program. Membership shall be open to anyone regardless of regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic circumstance. Membership shall not be construed to indicate one's sexual orientation or HIV status.

30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Sunday May 19th, 2013