"A Light of Hope"

Thursday, December 30, 2010

What is AIDS & HIV?

OK—now to the scientific stuff.

First the basics: what is AIDS? AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a condition caused by a virus called HIV. This virus attacks the immune system, the body's "security force" that fights off infections. When the immune system breaks down, you lose this protection and can develop many serious, often deadly infections and cancers. These are called "opportunistic infections (OIs)" because they take advantage of the body's weakened defenses. You have heard it said that someone "died of AIDS." This is not entirely accurate, since it is the opportunistic infections that cause death. AIDS is the condition that lets the OIs take hold.

And what is HIV? HIV is a virus, like the flu or cold. A virus is really nothing but a set of instructions for making new viruses, wrapped up in some fat, protein and sugar. Without living cells, a virus can't do anything—it's like a brain with no body. In order to make more viruses (and to do all of the other nasty things that viruses do), a virus has to infect a cell. HIV mostly infects CD4 cells, also known as T cells, or T-helper cells. These are white blood cells that coordinate the immune system to fight disease, much like the quarterback of a football team. Once inside the cell, HIV starts producing millions of little viruses, which eventually kill the cell and then go out to infect other cells. All of the drugs marketed to treat HIV work by interfering with this process. There, that wasn't so hard, was it?

To learn more on how HIV infects a CD4 cell and begins to create more viruses, click on the following lesson link:

The HIV Life Cycle (and the targets of each class of anti-HIV drugs)

How is HIV transmitted? Are you infected? If you have visited this site looking for information about HIV because you think you might be infected—but you haven't tested for it yet, or have doubts about the tests—then you should read the following lessons:

How is HIV Transmitted?
Am I Infected? (A Complete Guide to Testing for HIV)

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The POZ 100

by Regan Hofmann

Some of the bravest, most dogged and downright effective AIDS fighters we know

Click here to read a digital edition of this article.

This past year was a banner one for waging war on AIDS in America. President Obama staffed up the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA), reopened the Office of National AIDS Policy and invited several hundred people (many of them living with HIV) to the White House to celebrate the launch of a National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Needle exchange was approved—as was the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. the health care reform bill that will insure many who have HIV, albeit not until 2014). And the travel ban for HIV-positive people entering the United States was lifted. It was announced that, for the first time since 1990, the International AIDS Conference will again be held in America, this time in Washington, DC, in 2012.

The money is starting to flow: The president pledged $30 million additional dollars for HIV prevention, infused the crumbling AIDS Drug Assistance Program with $25 million in emergency funding (though unfortunately the need still outpaces the support) and secured from Congress $50 million more for the Social Innovative Fund—some of which has already been awarded to organizations that fight AIDS in America (for example, the National AIDS Fund). The Global Health Initiative was established, securing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief’s $48 billion budget (for the moment).

Science also upped the ante. For the first time in years, HIV researchers will say a cure for AIDS is feasible. And results of recent studies show there is good hope for microbicide and vaccine development (though much work to do).

Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), said NIH will concentrate more funding on AIDS cure research in the near term. And Thomas Frieden, MD, MPH, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), named HIV/AIDS one of six “winnable battles” the CDC will focus on fighting.

Never in the three decades we’ve battled this beast have we been better poised to administer a TKO to HIV.

But perhaps the most important development is that we’re zeroing in on who is at risk for HIV in America today—and why. And we’re developing successful ways to help. It’s critical that we do: Of the 1.2 million Americans estimated to be living with the virus, 21 percent don’t know their status. In addition, more than 650,000 of them are not connected to care.

Why is this true?

Many people living with HIV in America today face a unique set of structural and lifestyle challenges, including, but not limited to: poverty, hunger, under- or unemployment, illiteracy, racism, discrimination, immigration issues, homelessness, stigma, previous or current incarceration, sexual or domestic violence, homophobia, substance use, criminalization, addiction, and childcare and mental health issues. Much of what we have learned about fighting HIV has to be reconsidered in light of who is contracting the virus today and why.

Which is why we’re taking education and outreach efforts to the streets in ways that are specific to the various communities impacted by this disease.

HIV/AIDS is disproportionately affecting people of color in the United States, men who have sex with men (MSM) and youth. And you can’t talk to all these people the same way, or reach them in the same places. For starters, they don’t face the same challenges. Even within subpopulations, the reasons why someone may be more likely to get HIV, or to develop AIDS, differ widely. A gay Latino teenager in Arizona faces different cultural and health care hurdles than a gay black teenager in Baltimore. Yes, they’re both young gay men of color, but they need different kinds of help, support and education. Different messages will move them to get tested, to seek support, to link to care.

But we’re making headway by directing federal and state health care dollars and the support of the pharmaceutical industry to brave new worlds. We’re testing people for HIV at the Division of Motor Vehicles, babysitting their kids so they can get to a support group or a microbicide trial, teaching them about AIDS at quilting workshops in church basements and in local hair salons, employing the help of faith leaders and using spoken word poets, YouTube videos, smart phone apps, Twitter and Facebook to teach things like safer sex. And we’re not shying away from real-life solutions like handing out clean needles, giving kids condoms and teaching prevention tactics like cheeking and mutual masturbation.

For the momentum to continue, to ensure that high-level promises are kept and to get the funding we need to effectively implement the tenets of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, we need our A-list soldiers on the line.

In that spirit, we offer the following list of 100 people we feel have great impact on HIV/AIDS in the United States today. We have many of them to thank for the progress we’ve recently made. These people are also likely to keep the heat on in the months and years to come.

The tenure of their experience, areas of expertise and methods they employ vary wildly. But they all have several things in common. They are effective—and can prove it with measurable, evidence-based outcomes. They are relentless and tireless in the face of people constantly telling them no, it can’t be done; no, we don’t have the money. They bravely lay their heads on the chopping block; they take risks—and sometimes body blows—occasionally falling down but getting up quickly. They are in the trenches and on the right path. They know how to think outside the box, get inside the system and draw the spotlight. They are alternately diplomats and troublemakers. They can galvanize, get the inside scoop and rabble rouse. People trust them, listen to them, invite them to tell it like it is. What they say is not always popular, but it often informs the next step or shows us a new path.

Some of the people on the POZ 100 will seem like the usual suspects. A good portion of this list is names of people who have been at this work since the beginning of the pandemic. That is a tribute to their adaptability, resilience and talent. Some are people you may never have heard of before. They are the newcomers, the upstarts, the young guns.

Who’s not on this list? Pharmaceutical and industry people, people in the federal government whose work is focused on HIV/AIDS and people who individually donate millions. We left off the who’s who of the global AIDS arena; A-list celebrities; members of the media who focus on HIV/AIDS and doctors and nurses who treat people living with HIV/AIDS (though you will see “MD” or “MPH” after some names, the people we’ve chosen aren’t currently treating ?patients, with one or two exceptions, but it is their work in other arenas that landed them on the list). We’ve also not included our fallen icons, the brilliant ones we have lost to HIV—many of whom are why we’re alive today.

It would take a volume of POZ the size of a New York City phone book to do justice to all the incredible people who are not on this list. Our choices are sure to cause controversy so we want your feedback. Be sure to let us know if you think we missed a key player in the fight.

In short, the POZ 100 is a powerful, influential, inspirational corps of warriors well-positioned to help shepherd in the end of the AIDS pandemic. Those on this list are leading the charge to abolish the stigma, discrimination and criminalization of HIV that keep people from getting tested, getting support—and connecting to lifesaving care. To banish HIV for good, we will need the help of many others already involved in or willing to join the fight.

We hope you will also celebrate the people on the POZ 100 and their good work. Support them. Write about them. Give them your ideas. Listen to them. Offer to work beside or for them. And, of course, applaud them. As we do now. Bravo to the 100 of you who tirelessly help those living with HIV/AIDS and who work to ensure others don’t contract the virus.

The POZ 100 is listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Introduction | 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | 41-50
51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-100

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

HIV Testing

Getting an HIV test is just the beginning. A positive test result gives you the chance to keep ahead of the virus. A negative test result gives you the opportunity to stay that way.

Scroll down to watch video interviews, learn more about HIV testing, find out where you can get an HIV test, read an introduction to HIV/AIDS and find additional resources.

Quick Search

Why Get an HIV Test?

Getting tested for HIV is a smart thing to do. Still, many people refuse to get tested. Some find the idea of getting tested too frightening, even though they will often continue to agonize about whether they're infected. Others think of testing as unnecessary and hold on to the belief that HIV can't happen to them.

Many times when people get tested, they happily discover their concern was unfounded. The assurance that comes from a negative test result can provide enormous relief. For others, getting tested and learning they are HIV positive is the first important step towards staying healthy.

One of the most basic truths about HIV is that gender, age, race and economic status are irrelevant when it comes to vulnerability to HIV. Anyone can become infected. Despite huge advances in treatment and a wealth of knowledge, the HIV epidemic is going to be with us for a long time to come. At present, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are medications that have proven very effective in keeping HIV-positive people alive, longer and healthier.

Knowing your accurate HIV status through testing is essential to good health and long life.

About the HIV Test

An HIV test shows if someone is infected with HIV, the virus that attacks the body's immune system and causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or what is more commonly known as AIDS. There are several different tests that can be used to determine if you are carrying the HIV virus. The most commonly used tests look for antibodies to the virus in the blood, mouth or urine.

If an initial test is negative—meaning that antibodies have not been found—the testing is complete. If it is positive, additional testing is necessary to make sure that it is not a "false-positive" result (some molecules in the bloodstream can sometimes cause this). First, the laboratory may repeat the initial blood, mouth or urine-based test. If it's positive, the laboratory will conduct a blood test called Western blot. If both the initial test and the Western blot test yield a positive result, a diagnosis of HIV infection is confirmed and the results are sent back to the health care professional who ordered the test.

Many testing sites now offer rapid testing, involving oral swabs and blood from pin pricks. Results using these rapid tests are usually available within 20 minutes or so. If you have blood drawn for an HIV test, it can take between one and two weeks to learn the results. If it seems as if you are waiting a long time for your results, this in no way indicates a "positive" outcome and that the laboratory needs more time to conduct additional tests.

To learn more about HIV testing, including the different types of tests that are available, click here. If you're uncomfortable being tested for HIV by your own health care provider, there are anonymous and confidential testing sites you can go to. To learn about sites near you, search our AIDS Services Directory.

An Introduction to HIV/AIDS

If you test positive for the virus, one of the most important tools that you will have in fighting HIV is your relationship with your doctor. It's worth spending time looking for the right doctor, and changing doctors who don't work for you. If at all possible, find a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

To ask for advice on finding a doctor with experience treating people with HIV, contact your local AIDS service organization (ASO)—they usually have a list of recommended doctors in your area. To find your local ASO, you can search our AIDS Services Directory.

Talk to your doctor—see if you feel comfortable with him or her. If you don't feel comfortable discussing your most personal stuff with the doctor then maybe you should change doctors. Remember—your doctor works for you.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions if you are newly diagnosed:

What is HIV/AIDS?

The HIV Life Cycle

How is HIV Transmitted?

The Blood Tests You'll Need

Things You Should Know Before Starting Treatment

The Big Treatment Questions

Living with HIV

If you are newly diagnosed with HIV, click here for more information.

Reversing The Spread of HIV

At the end of November 2010, UNAIDS released its annual global report on the Global AIDS epidemic. While it was more than 300 pages of facts and figures, the headline was clear – the AIDS epidemic has been halted and the world is beginning to reverse the spread of HIV.

That is big news.

After this epidemic has claimed the lives of more than 25 million people, we are starting to see that it may be possible to win this war. New HIV infections have fallen, AIDS-related deaths are down and the total number of people living with HIV is stabilizing.

Perhaps one of the most positive pieces of news was that the total number of children born with HIV has decreased dramatically – putting us even closer to reaching the goal of eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV by 2015. An estimated 370,000 children were newly infected with HIV in 2009, representing a drop of 24% from five years earlier. Significant gains were observed in sub-Saharan Africa where new HIV infections among children have fallen 32%.

While we celebrate progress and push forward to reach the major milestone of creating the first AIDS-Free generation in nearly thirty years, it’s even more important to strengthen our focus and funding for this issue. There are still more than 33 million people in the world living with HIV and Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be most affected by the epidemic representing 69% of all new HIV infections. We should celebrate progress and accelerate action or all that has been accomplished will be lost and we will end up spending much more down the line to treat the disease as it continues to ravage future generations.

To read more of the UNAIDS 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic go here.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Researchers report possible HIV infection cure; others cite dangers

By Tom Watkins, CNN, December 15, 2010 4:10 a.m. EST

Demonstrators march in Vienna, Austria, as part of the 18th International AIDS Conference on July 20, 2010.

(CNN) -- Researchers in Germany are reporting that they may have cured a man of HIV infection. If true, that would represent a scientific advance, but not necessarily a treatment advance, said researchers familiar with the work.

In the study, published last week online in the journal Blood, researchers at Charite-University Medicine Berlin treated an HIV-infected man who also had acute myeloid leukemia -- a cancer of the immune system -- by wiping out his own immune system with high-dose chemotherapy and radiation and giving him a stem-cell transplant. Stem cells are immature cells that can mature into blood cells.

At the time of the transplant, which occurred in February 2007, he stopped taking anti-HIV medications.

Why HIV advance isn't a universal cure?

Thirteen months later, after a relapse of the leukemia, he underwent a second round of treatment followed by another stem-cell transplant from the same donor.

The donor's stem cells contained a rare, inherited gene mutation that made them naturally resistant to infection with HIV, according to the authors, led by Kristina Allers, who hypothesized that HIV would nevertheless rebound over time. But that has not happened.

After three-and-a-half years off of anti-HIV drugs, the patient shows no sign of either leukemia or HIV replication and his immune system has been restored to normal health, the researchers reported, concluding, "our results strongly suggest that cure of HIV has been achieved in this patient."

But AIDS researchers predicted the report will have little impact on practice.

"This probably is a cure, but it comes at a bit of a price," said Dr. Michael Saag, professor of medicine and director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham AIDS Center.

"For him to receive the donor cells, his body had to have all of his immune system wiped out" and then receive a bone marrow transplant, Saag noted. "The Catch-22 here is that the best candidates for a cure, ideally, are people who are healthy" and don't have leukemia.

The treatment associated with wiping out the immune system "is very hazardous," he said in a telephone interview.

"Even if somebody doesn't die from a transplant, there are complications that make it very unpleasant for people to live with," he said, citing graft-versus-host disease, where the infused donor cells attack the body. In a number of cases, the transplant proves fatal.

The study is a proof of the concept "that our understanding of HIV biology is correct, and that if you eliminate -- not just in theory but in practice -- all of the cells in the body that are producing HIV and replace them with uninfected cells, you have a cure," Saag said.

But remaining infected with HIV is not always associated with the same grim outcome that was the norm prior to the mid-1990s, when more effective anti-HIV drugs were developed, he said.

"We can keep people alive for a normal life span," he said. "That means a 25-year-old diagnosed today with HIV has a reasonably good chance of living to 80, 85, 90."

Further limiting the treatment's potential appeal is the fact that it could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for each patient who gets it, he said.

"It's not going to be applicable unless they develop leukemia or lymphoma and need a bone-marrow transplant,"Saag said.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, called it impractical. "It's hard enough to get a good compatible match for a transplant like this," he said in a statement. "But you also have to find (a) compatible donor that has this genetic defect, and this defect is only found in 1% of the Caucasian population and 0% of the black population. This is very rare."

But HIV itself is not. According to the World Health Organization, 33.4 million people worldwide have the virus that causes AIDS.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

ASO (AIDS Services Organizations) Nationwide

ALABAMA-

AIDS Outreach of East Alabama Medical Center
665 Opelika Road
Auburn, AL 36830
334 887-5244 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 334 887-5244 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

AIDS Outreach of EAMC (East Alabama Medical Center) is a nonprofit organization in east-central Alabama. AIDS Outreach serves the needs of community members in Lee, Macon, Russell, Chambers and Tallapoosa Counties, with a few extended services is Coosa, Clay, Talladega, and Randolph Counties.

For more information, click on www.aidsoutreacheamc.org.

AIDS Action Coalition
600 St. Clair Avenue
Building 6, Suite 14
Huntsville, AL 35801
256 536-4700 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 256 536-4700 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The AIDS Action Coalition/Davis Clinic provides comprehensive healthcare to 530 active clients in the 12 counties of North Alabama. Services include case management, laboratory services, mental health, substance abuse counseling referrals, dental referrals, HOPWA assistance, transportation, translation, counseling and testing for HIV (on and off-site) and education in the community.

For more information, click on www.aidsactioncoalition.org.

Birmingham AIDS Outreach
205 32nd Street South
Birmingham, AL
205 322-4197 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 205 322-4197 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Birmingham AIDS Outreach is a professional agency with a full-time staff of nine providing client services and prevention education programs in the greater Birmingham and surrounding areas. Services include case management, counseling, support groups, transportation assistance, education, hair cuts, massages and more. For more information, log on to www.birminghamaidsoutrreach.org.

ALASKA-

Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association

Anchorage Office:

1057 W. Fireweed, Suite 102
Anchorage, AK 99503
907 263-2050 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 907 263-2050 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Juneau Office:

P.O. Box 21481
Juneau, AK 99802
907 586-6089 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 907 586-6089 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The mission of the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association is to be a key collaborator within the state of Alaska in the provision of supportive services to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families and in the elimination of the transmission of HIV infection and its stigma. For more information, see www.alaskanaids.org.

ARIZONA-

Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation
375 Souch Euclid Avenue
Tuscon, AZ 85719

For more information, click on: www.saaf.org.

ARKANSAS-

Arkansas AIDS Foundation
518 East 9th Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
501 376-6299 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 501 376-6299 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information, see: www.araidsfoundation.org.

CALIFORNIA-

Face to Face/Sonoma County AIDS Network
873 Second Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707 544-1581 (M - F, 9 - 4)
Guerneville office: 707 869-7390 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 707 869-7390 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (M - Th, 9 - 4)

Services include case management, benefits counseling, housing assitance, prevention information and education, volunteer services including peer coaching, practical support in the home, transportation to health care appointments, and referrals for medical, dental, and mental health care.

For more information, see: www.f2f.org.

AIDS Community Research Consortium (ACRC)
1048 El Camino Real Suite B
Redwood City, CA 94063
650 364-6563 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 650 364-6563 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
800 864-2272 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 800 864-2272 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

ACRC provides health education and risk reduction services in both English and Spanish to HIV-positive individuals, food services for low income, HIV-positive individuals living in San Mateo County, Hepatitis C health education, and other educational and social activities for people living with HIV.

For more information, see: www.acrc.org.

San Francisco AIDS Foundation
995 Market Street, 200
San Francisco, CA 94103
800 367-AIDS begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 800 367-AIDS end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information, see www.sfaf.org.

Shanti
730 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
415 674-4700 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 415 674-4700 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information, see www.shanti.org.

AIDS Project Los Angeles
The David Geffen Center
611 South Kingsley Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90005
213 201-1600 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 213 201-1600 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information, see www.apla.org.

Working Wonders
35-325 Date Palm Drive
Suite 232
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760 324-7586 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 760 324-7586 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Working Wonders is a small but mighty ASO that specializes is services to women with HIV/AIDS - although they don't turn anyone away! For more information, click here.

El Proyecto del Barrio
8902 Woodman Avenue
Arleta, CA 91331
818 830-7181 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 818 830-7181 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

El Proyecto del Bario is a bi-lingual (English/Spanish) ASO offering free HIV counseling and testing, case management, mental health and medical outpatient services. Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, see www.epdb.org.

San Joaquin AIDS Foundation
4330 N. Pershing Avenue, Ste. B-3
Stockton, CA 95207
209 476-8533 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 209 476-8533 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The San Joaquin AIDS Foundation provides HIV case management, information and referrals; support groups for HIV-positive individuals and their partners; hepatitis C support groups; G/L/B/T Alcoholics Anonymous group; and comprehensive HIV education. The organization also offers a variety of outreach and education programs for at-risk members of the community. For more information, see www.sanjoaquinaidsfoundation.org.

COLORADO-

Colorado AIDS Project
2490 W. 26th Avenue, Building A
Suite 300
Denver, CO 80211
303 837-0166 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 303 837-0166 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information, click on: www.coloradoaidsproject.org.

CONNECTICUT-

Latino Community Services
184 Wethersfield Ave
Hartford, CT 06114
860 296-6400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 860 296-6400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Latino Community Services is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS non-profit organization serving Latino clients, as well as the general public, in the Hartford area. Founded in 1986 as Latinos/as Contra SIDA, it serves a community need for culturally appropriate programs and interventions to prevent HIV infection and to support those living with HIV/AIDS.

For more information, click on: www.lcs-ct.org.

Hispanos Unidos, Inc.
116 Sherman Ave. 1st FL
New Haven, CT 06511
203 781-0226 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 203 781-0226 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Hispanos Unidos, Inc. was the first Lation organization in Connecticult to become involved with the problems generated by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It was founded in 1987 as an organization of education and prevention of HIV/AIDS. The organization works in coordination with other groups to facilitate access to services withing the Greater New Haven area. The staff is fully bilingual and bi-cultural.

Services provided are: case management, mental health, prevention and education, client advocacy, referral services, outreach services, treatment adherence, substance abuse counseling, statewide evaluation bank, and summer camp for affected children.

For more information, see: www.hispanos-unidos.org.

The Guardian Health Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 365
West Haven, CT 06516
203 772-7960 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 203 772-7960 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Guardian Health Association maintains an excellent web site for people with HIV or AIDS in Connecticut. The site includes the Connecticut Online Resources Guide, the Connecticut Statewide HIV Community Calendar, and Connecticut HIV News. Click on www.guardianhealth.org.

AIDS Project Hartford
110 Bartholomew Avenue, Suite 3050
Hartford, CT 06016
860 951-4833 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 860 951-4833 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

AIDS Project Hartford was founded by a committed core of volunteers in 1975 as a grassroots response to the AIDS crisis. It is the second oldest AIDS Service Organization in Connecticut.

AIDS Project Hartford offers an array of services for people living with HIV/AIDS including case management, intensive housing support and substance abuse/mental health treatment advocacy. Case managers conduct a comprehensive assessment for each client to determine specific needs that can include medical care, psychological support, housing, food, advocacy, mental health services and substance abuse treatment. All calls are confidential and all services are free.

For more information, see: www.aidsprojecthartford.org.

Alliance for Living
154 Broad Street
New London, CT 06320
860 447-0884 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 860 447-0884 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Alliance for Living is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by HIV/AIDS in New London County, CT. Agency services include case managment, legal, medical and dental referrals, transportation, prescription assistance, nutrition supplements, housing assistance, a drop-in center, support groups and individual counseling, educational workshops, alternative therapies, social/recreational activities, and a children's room. For more information, see: www.Allianceforliving.org.

DELAWARE-

AIDS Delaware
100 West 10th Steet, Suite 315
Wilmington, DE 19801
302 652-6776 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 302 652-6776 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information, see: www.aidsdelaware.org.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA-

DC Comprehensive AIDS Resources and Education
1436 U Street, NW Suite 400
Washington, DC 20009
202 332-9091 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202 332-9091 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.dccare.org.

FLORIDA-

River Region Human Services
330 West State St.
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904 899-6300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 904 899-6300 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

River Region Human Services provides treatment for HIV/AIDS, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse. For more information, click on www.rrhs.org.

BASIC of Northwest Florida, Inc.
PO Box 805
432 Magnolia Avenue
Panama City, FL 32402
(850) 785-1088 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (850) 785-1088 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

BASIC of Northwest Florida, Inc. is a minority governed non-profit community based organization dedicated to aiding and assisting those living with HIV/AIDS, their families and friends, and providing awareness, education and prevention information to the residents of Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties in Northwest Florida. Through case management, the agency provides access to medical care including medications, mental health and substance abuse services, housing, food and transportation.

For more information: www.basicnwfl.com.

AIDS Help, Inc.
P.O. box 4374
Key West, FL 33041
305 296-6196 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305 296-6196 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

AIDS Help, Inc., a non-profit, community-based organization, provides case-managed health care, housing, food, counseling, referral and support services for HIV-infected resident of Monroe County (The Florida Keys.) See www.aidshelp.cc.

Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida, Inc.
AIDS Care and Education Program
4615 Phillips Highway
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
(904) 739-7010 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (904) 739-7010 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The ACE (AIDS Care & Education) Program at Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida, Inc. provides basic case management services and HOPWA assistance for HIV positive clients who are Ryan White and Medicaid PAC eligible, as well as mental health services for Ryan White eligible persons. These services are available to all clients regardless of race, age, gender, disability, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religion.

The ACE Program (AIDS Care and Education) of Lutheran Social Services is rooted in a long history of quality and community service. ACE's history reaches back to the mid-eighties as a volunteer organization known as Duval AIDS Care & Education. In 1991, this grassroots effort sought affiliation with a mainline social service agency to enhance its ability to provide quality services. Lutheran Social Services (LSS), an established nonsectarian social service organization, was a natural choice.

Case Management with the ACE Program provides HIV positive clients with an advocate who can refer them to necessary services in the community to treat the symptoms of HIV and any social, economical, educational, or psychological situations that may contribute to the progression of HIV to AIDS.

The mission of the ACE Program is "to improve the quality of life and care for persons living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers. All persons living with HIV/AIDS will be treated with dignity and respect. The needs and choices of persons living with AIDS are given top priority, as we strive to increase access to medical, social and rehabilitative services."

For more information, click on: www.lssjax.org/aidscareandeducation.html

GEORGIA-

AID Atlanta
1605 Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
404 870-7700 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 404 870-7700 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more informaton: www.aidatlanta.org.

HAWAII-

Life Foundation
677 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 226
Honolulu, HI 96813
808 521-2437 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 808 521-2437 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.lifefoundation.org.

IDAHO

North Idaho AIDS Coalition
410 Sherman Avenue, Ste. 215
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
866-609-1774 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 866-609-1774 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.nicon.org.

ILLINOIS-

Test Positive Aware Network
5537 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
773 989-9400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 773 989-9400 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Test Positive Aware Network (TRAN) provides up-to-date treatment education and peer-led support services. TPAN is a self-help organization which provides resources, referrals and peer-led support groups, medical clinic, needle exchange, yoga, speaker's bureau, and resource center for people living with and impacted by HIV. TPAN publishes the bi-monthly national HIV treatement journal, Positively Aware magazine, and the free Illinois HIV Services and Professionals Directory.

For more information: www.tpan.com.

Better Existence with HIV
1740 Ridge
Evanston, IL 60201
847-475-2115 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 847-475-2115 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) provides case management services for the Chicago neighborhoods of Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park; administers confidential HIV and STD tests; educates thousands of young people on how to protect themselves from HIV; provides housing assistance to individuals who might otherwise be homeless; as well as mental health, art therapy and massage therapy services.

For more information: www.behiv.org.

INDIANA-

The Damien Center
1350 N. Pennsylvania
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317 632-0123 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 317 632-0123 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.damien.org.

IOWA-

Iowa Center for AIDS (Icare)
438 Southgate
Iowa City, IA 52240
319 338-2135 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 319 338-2135 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
1-888-338-2135 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-338-2135 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (toll-free, in SE Iowa only)

For more information: www.icareiowa.org.

AIDS Project Quad Cities
309 788-5698 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 309 788-5698 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.aidsprojectqc.org.

KANSAS-

Good Samaritan Project
3030 Walnut
Kansas City, MO 64108
816 561-8784 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 816 561-8784 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.gspkc.org.

KENTUCKY-

Matthew 25 AIDS Services
411 Letcher Street
Henderson, KY 42420
270 826-0200 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 270 826-0200 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
FAX: 270 826-0212

Matthew 25 AIDS Services provides services to people with HIV or AIDS in the tri-state area including Henderson, KY, Evansville, IN, and Owensboro, KY.

AIDS Volunteers, Inc.
263 N. Limestone St.
Lexington, KY 40507
859 225-3000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 859 225-3000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.aidsvolunteers.org.

LOUISIANA-

In This Together
1661 Canal Street, Suite 3107
New Orleans, LA 70112
504 962-3245 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 504 962-3245 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

In This Together is a social service agency that provides comprehensive services to individuals and families infected/affected with HIV/AIDS living in New Orleans and her surrounding parishes.

For more information: www.inthistogetherinc.org.

NO/AIDS Task Force
2601 Tulane Avenue, Suite 500
New Orleans, LA 70119
504 821-2601 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 504 821-2601 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.noaidstaskforce.org.

MAINE-

Merrymeeting AIDS Support Services
124 Maine Street, Suite B
Brunswick, Maine 04011
204 725-4955 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 204 725-4955 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Agency services include: The Buddy Program, HIV, STD, Hepatitis Prevention Education, Prevention Outreach, Guy2Guy (www.Guy2Guy.org), Support Groups, and Individual Counseling. For more information: www.merrymeetingaids.org.

Eastern Maine AIDS Network
P.O. Box 2038
Bangor, ME 04402
207 990-3626 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 207 990-3626 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.maineaidsnetwork.org.

MARYLAND-

AIDS Action Baltomore, Inc.
10 East Eager Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410 837-2437 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 410 837-2437 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.aidsactionbaltimore.org.

MASSACHUSETTS-

Boston HAPPENS Program
Adolescent Clinic
Children's Hospital Boston
333 Longwood Avenue, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02125
617 355-2735 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 617 355-2735 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Bost HAPPENS Program at Choldren's Hospital Boston provides services to youth, 12 - 24 years old, who are HIV-positive or at risk for the disease and other STDs. Free HIV counseling and testing, support groups, case management and programs referrals. Bilingual services (English/Espanol) are available with biligual providers. Interpreters for other languages are available.

For more information, click on www.childrenshospital.org/happens.

North Shore Health Project
67 Middle Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
978 283-0101 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 978 283-0101 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The North Short Health Project (formerly the North Shore AIDS Health Project) is committed to promoting wellness in people living with HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C by providing free holistic health care, support services, information and outreach in a safe, caring and confidential environment. The agency offers case management, acupuncture, massage, congregate meals, nutritional counseling and groceries, a drop-in center, educational programs, a clothing boutique, speaker's bureau, and referrals for legal, medical and other services. All services are free. For more information, see www.healthproject.org.

MICHIGAN-

CARES
629 Pioneer Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
269 381-2437 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 269 381-2437 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or
800 944-2437 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 800 944-2437 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The mission of Community AIDS Resource and Education Services of Southwest Michigan (CARES)is to minimize further transmission of HIV and to maximize the quality of life for all persons affected by the virus. Services include education and prevention initiatives, along with case management for those affected by HIV.

For more information, see www.caresswm.org.

AIDS Partnership Michigan
2751 E. Jefferson Avenue, Ste. 301
Detroit, MI
1-800-872-AIDS begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-872-AIDS end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.aidspartnership.org.

MINNESOTA-

Minnesota AIDS Project
1400 Park Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612 341-2060 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 612 341-2060 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.mnaidsproject.org.

MISSOURI-

Regional AIDS Interfaith Network of Central Missouri
4250 E. Broadway, Suite 1055
Columbia, MO 65201
573 875-8687 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 573 875-8687 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.missourirain.org.

MISSISSIPPI-

Building Bridges, Inc.
2147 Henry Hill Drive, Ste. 206
Jackson, MS 39204
601 922-0100 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 601 922-0100 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.bbims.org.

MONTANA-

Yellowstone AIDS Project
2906 1st Avenue, North Suite 200
Billings, MT 59101
406 245-2029 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 406 245-2029 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.yapmt.org.

NEBRASKA-

Nebraska AIDS Project
139 South 40th Steet<BR>Omaha, NE 68131
402 552-9260 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 402 552-9260 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.nap.org.

NEVADA-

AID for AIDS of Nevada
2300 S. Rancho Drive, Suite 211
Las Vegas, NV 89102
702 382-2326 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 702 382-2326 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.afanlv.org.

NEW HAMPSHIRE-

AIDS Response Sea Coast
One Junkins Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603 433-5377 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 603 433-5377 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.aidsresponse.org.

NEW JERSEY-

CAPCO Resource Center
100 Hamilton Plaza, Suite 1406
Patterson, NJ 07505
973 742-6742 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 973 742-6742 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Coalition on AIDS in Passaic County, Inc. (CAPCO)was founded in 1985 in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis. Since that time, CAPCO has operated a resource center to meet the needs of individuals and families infected/affected by HIV. CAPCO Resource Center services are grant funded so they are free to eligible consumers. Services include: Case Management, Prevention, Pharmaceutical Assistance, Housing Assistance, Food Assistance, and Complementary Therapies.

Early Intervention Program
Cooper University Hospital
3 Cooper Plaza, Suite 513
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 963-3523 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (856) 963-3523 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Since 1990, the Early Intervention Program at Cooper Univeristy Hospital has provided compehensive, confidential services to people with HIV/AIDS. Services are provided by a dedicated medical team including board-certified infectious disease specialists who are also on the teaching staff of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. They are joined by nurse practitioners, nurses, therapists, counselors, educators and case managers.

Services include: Medical care; complete laboratory and radiographic evaluations; psychological services; nutritional assessment and care; substance abuse assessment and referral; patient education; treatment adherence management; enrollent in HIV/AIDS clinical trials; referrals for dental care; free rapid HIV testing that gives results in 20 minutes; HIV medical services to clients in correctional facilities; coordination of HIV care and treatment between adult and pediatric programs; and access to the Women's Care Center and Children's Regional Center at Cooper University Hospital.

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation
317 George Street, Suite 203
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732 246-0203 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 732 246-0203 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.hyacinth.org.

NEW MEXICO-

New Mexico AIDS Services
625 Truman Street, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505 938-7100 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 505 938-7100 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.nmas.net.

NEW YORK-

Housing Works
743 - 749 East 9th Street
New York, NY 10009
212 677-7999 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 212 677-7999 end_of_the_skype_highlighting ext 120

Housing works is an adult day health care and residential program for people with HIV. Services include: full-time medical and nursing, nutrition, harm reduction-based substance use services, case management, psychosocial support and psychiatric therapy, art therapy, life skills and computer training, fitness program/gym, free hot breakfast and lunch.

For more information, click on www.housingworks.org.

Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC)
The Tisch Building
119 West 24 Street
New York, NY 10011
212 367-1000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 212 367-1000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Despite its name, GMHC provides comprehensive services to everyone infected with HIV. For more information on this well-respected ASO, see gmhc.org.

AIDS Service Center NYC
41 East 11th Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10003
212 645-0875 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 212 645-0875 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information, click on www.ascnyc.org.

AIDS Center of Queens County
97-45 Queens Boulevard, 12th Floor
Rego Park, NY 11374
Rego Park: 718 896-2500 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              718 896-2500      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Jamaica: 718 739-2525 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              718 739-2525      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Far Rockaway: 718 868-8645 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              718 868-8645      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Long Island City: 718 472-9400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              718 472-9400      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Long Island City II: 718 752-1590 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              718 752-1590      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC) is the largest community-based organization in Queens dedicted solely to serving people with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones. For more information, click on: www.acqc.org.

Brooklyn AIDS Task Force
502 Bergen Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718 596-3635 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 718 596-3635 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Brooklyn AIDS Task Force (BATF) offers holistic service plans for people and families living with HIV/AIDS. For more information, see: www.batf.net.

Bronx AIDS Services
540 East Fordham Road
Bronx, NY 10458
718 733-3429 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 718 733-3429 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Bronx AIDS Services (BAS) is an AIDS Service Organization that helps more than 25,000 Bronx residents each year with an array of free services designed to meet the needs of this ethnically and culturally diverse community. Founded in 1986, BAS provides food; nutrition and supportive counseling; legal advocacy; outreach, prevention and education; domestic violence education; peer mentoring; and case management services in four facilities in the Bronx, in two mobile vans used with outreach activities and at other Bronx community organizations. For more information, click on www.basnyc.org.

NORTH CAROLINA-

AIDS Leadership Foothills-area Alliance (ALFA)

1120 Fairgrove Church Road, SE, Suite 28
Hickory, NC 28602
828 322-1447 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 828 322-1447 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
or 1-800-473-1447 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-473-1447 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

AIDS Leadership Foothills-area Alliance is a 501 (c) agency serving eight counties in Western North Carolina: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Watauga and Wikes. Since 1987, ALFA has offered resource/referral and case management services to those living with HIV/AIDS; as well as HIV prevention education programs, HIV Counseling and Testing Services, and volunteer opportunities to the community at large. All services are free and confidential. See www.alfainfo.org.

NORTH DAKOTA-

North Dakota Department of Health HIV/AIDS Program
600 E. Boulevard Avenue., Dept. 301
Bismarck, ND 58505-0200
701-328-2378 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 701-328-2378 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.ndhiv.com.

OHIO-

Columbus AIDS Task Force
1751 E. Long Street
Columbus, OH 43203
614 299-AIDS

Columbus AIDS Task Force (CATF) is a full-service, community-based, non-profit AIDS Service Organization providing comprehensive care services, educational programs and an HIV testing program. CATF's mission is to fight the spread of HIV; reduce its transmission, stigma and the resulting discrimination through education and awareness; and provide quality services to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. CATF has a full-time staff of 45, approximately 500 volunteers, and a total budget of $3.5 million. CATF primarily serves the seven counties making up the Central Ohio region; however, some of its programs serve Southeastern Ohio and other parts of the state. CATF is a United Way member agency and is nationally recognized as one of the top AIDS Service Organizations in the country.

For more information: www.catf.net.

AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati
220 Findlay Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513 421-AIDS

For more information: www.avoc.org.

OKLAHOMA-

RAIN
1200 N. Walker
Suite 500
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
405 232-2437 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 405 232-2437 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.rainoklahoma.org.

OREGON-

Partnership Project
5525 SE Milwaukie
Portland, OR 97202
503 2320-1202, ext. 242

Parnership Project in Portland provides case management services to people living with HIV. For more information: www.ohsu.edu/partnership.

Cascade AIDS Project
620 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, Oregon 97204
503 223-5907 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 503 223-5907 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.cascadeaids.org.

PENNSYLVANIA-

Spanish American Civic Association/Nuestra Clinica
445 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
717 295-7994 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 717 295-7994 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Services include HIV antibody testing, gonnorhea, chlamydia and syphilis testing, case management, outreach, prevention education, bilingual support groups, drug and alcohol counseling and mental health services.

Catholic Social Services of Lackawanna County
400 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570 207-2291 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              570 207-2291      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or
570 207-2292 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              570 207-2292      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or
570 558-4358 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              570 558-4358      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

CSS of Lackawanna County is a non-profit faith-based organization that provides supportive case management services to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families in the six counties of Northeast Pennsylvania: Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming. Funding is received from Ryan White Title II and HOPWA. Services are available to all clients regardless of race, age, gender, disability, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religion. Currently employs two traditional case managers and one rural case manager. Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. All services free and confidential.

Mazzoni Center
1201 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215 563-0652 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 215 563-0652 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Mazzoni Center is a multi-service social service organization founded in 1979 to address the unique healthcare need of the LGBT communities in Philadelphia. In 1982, in response to the emerging AIDS epidemic, the organization was the first to provide HIV-related services in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Services include: education and outreach; rapid and conventional HIV testing; risk reduction counseling; HIV case management; HIV medical care; mental health and substance abuse counseling; regional HIV food bank; housing subsidy program.

For more information: www.mazzonicenter.org.

ActionAIDS
1216 Arch Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215 981-0088 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 215 981-0088 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.actionaids.org.

RHODE ISLAND-

AIDS Care Ocean State
18 Parkis Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
401 521-3603 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 401 521-3603 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.aidscareos.org.

SOUTH CAROLINA-

Piedmont Care, Inc.
269 South Church Street, Suite 201
Spartanburg, SC 29306
864 582-7773 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 864 582-7773 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Toll-free:1-866-454-7773 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-866-454-7773 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Piedmont Care, Inc. is the nonprofit organization providing HIV/AIDS care, prevention and advocacy in Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties of South Carolina.

For more information: www.piedmontcare.org.

Lowcountry AIDS Services
3547 Meeting Street Road
North Chareleston, SC 29405
(843) 747-2273 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (843) 747-2273 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Lowcountry AIDS Services provides a range of serivces to people living with HIV, including case management, volunteer program, support groups, education, speaker's bureau, legal services, advocacy, housing assistance, financial assistance, nutrition information, and free HIV testing. For more information: www.aids-services.com.

Catawba Care Coalition
1151 Camden Avenue
Rock Hill, SC 29732
877 647-6363 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 877 647-6363 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Catawba Care Coalition provides medical care, case management, emergency financial assistance, transportation help, nutrition counseling and support groups for people living with HIV/AIDS in York, Chester and Lancaster counties. The organization also offers education and outreach to the wider community, including free HIV testing. Volunteers are accepted and appreciated. For more information, see www.catawbacare.org

Palmeto AIDS Life Support Services (PALSS)
1924 Taylor St.
PO Box 11705
Columbia, SC 29211
803 779-7257 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 803 779-7257 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services (PALSS) was formed in 1985 to help South Carolinians fight the war against AIDS. PALSS offers free services to people who have been diagnosed or who are at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. PALSS can assist with medical, housing food and clothing. Trained staff is available for communitity presentations or one-on-one consultations in person or by phone. PALSS offers case management services, the EMPACT program for HIV+ African-American men, the Women's Health Council Project which provides women with the skills to protect themselves and others from HIV, and the Discharge Planning program which links incarcerated HIV+ inmates to medical services once they are released. For more information, click on www.palss.org.

SOUTH DAKOTA-

Project Takoja (Rapid City)
605 343-8762 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 605 343-8762 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Berakhah House
400 North Western Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605 332-4017 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 605 332-4017 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Berakhah House is a home for those living with AIDS.

TENNESSEE-

Nashville CARES
501 Brick Church Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37207
615 259-4866 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 615 259-4866 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.nashvillecares.org.

TEXAS-

Houston Area Community Services, Inc.
Toll Free 1-866-285-9373 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-866-285-9373 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or (713) 526-0555 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (713) 526-0555 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
TTY (713) 526-7763

HACS provides free services to people with HIV/AIDS, including:

Outpatient Primary Care
Individual, couple and family mental health counseling
Outpatient Substance Abuse treatment
Emergency Housing Vouchers
Case Management
Positive Transitions - an innovative program for the transgender community
Anonymous and confidential HIV testing, as well as STD and Hepatitis C testing

For more information, see www.hacstxs.org.

St. Hope Foundation, Inc.
6200 Savoy Drive, Ste. 540
Houston, TX 77036
713 778-1300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 713 778-1300 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The St. Hope Foundation has clinics in Bellaire/Houston, Conroe and Stafford, Texas. It offers comprehensive medical services for people with HIV or AIDS. For more information, see www.offeringhope.org.

San Antonio AIDS Foundation
818 East Grayson Street
San Antonio, TX 78208
210 225-4715 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 210 225-4715 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF), established in 1986, provides residential 24-hour skilled nursing/hospice care, hot meal program (3 meals daily), case management/client advocacy, long-term tenant based rental assistance, adjunctive therapies of acupuncture and massage therapy, dental care, HIV prevention education, and HIV testing and counseling in Spanish and English. All services are free. Residential skilled nursing/hospice and hot meal programs are seven days a week, all other programs are available Monday through Friday. For more information, click on: www.txsaaf.org.

UTAH-

People With AIDS Coalition of Utah
175 W. 200 S., Suite 2010
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801 484-2205 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 801 484-2205 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The People With AIDS Coalition of Utah is dedicated to providing educational and support services that enhance the quality of life for all people impacted by HIV/AIDS.

For more information, click on: www.pwacu.org.

Utah AIDS Foundation
1408 South 1100 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
801 487-2323 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 801 487-2323 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Utah AIDS Foundation offers case management services, free of charge, to anyone living with HIV/AIDS, including children, adolescents, and their families. A UAF case manager can help you with transportation, housing, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, support groups, food and meal services, benefits advocacy, financial assistance, and much more.

For more information: www.utahaids.org.

VERMONT-

AIDS Project of Southern Vermont
67 Main Street, Suite 42
Brattlesboro, VT 05302
802 254-8263 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 802 254-8263 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.aidsprojectsouthernvermont.org.

VIRGINIA-

Crater AIDS Action Program
410 Mistletoe Street
Petersburg, VA 23803
804 861-4688 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 804 861-4688 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Crater AIDS Action Program (CAAP) provides a wide range of serivces to people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS in the Crater Health District. The Crater Health District consists of the cities of Emporia, Hopewell and Petersburg; and the counties of Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Surry and Sussex.

AIDS/HIV Service Group
963 2nd Street, SE
Charlottsville, VA 22903
434 979-7714 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 434 979-7714 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.aidsservices.org.

WASHINGTON-

Spokane AIDS Network
905 S. Monroe Street
Spokane, WA 99204
509 455-8993 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 509 455-8993 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The mission of the Spokane AIDS Network (SAN) is to reduce the impact of, and maximize awareness about, AIDS and other consequences of HIV infection in the Inland Northwest. SAN has more than 20 years experience providing direct care services to people living with HIV/AIDS and educating the community about HIV transmission and prevention. It is the largest comprehensive HIV/AIDS service organization in the state of Washington east of the Cascades. SAN offers case management, client advocacy, treatment adherence and nutritional counseling, a supplemental grocery program, and a prevention program. For more information, click on www.spokaneaidsnetwork.org.

WEST VIRGINIA-

AIDS Network
400 West Martin Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
888 955-6535 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 888 955-6535 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or 304 263-0738 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 304 263-0738 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.geocities.com/ants25401.

WISCONSIN-

AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin
121 South Pinckney Street, Suite 210
Madison, WI 53701
608 258-9103 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 608 258-9103 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.arcw.org.

WYOMING-

Wyoming Positives for Positives
109 E. 17th St., Suite 40
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
307 432-4060 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 307 432-4060 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

For more information: www.pos4pos.org.