THOSE LOST 

·        In the past year, we have lost 19 clients to AIDS and added 162 newly diagnosed clients.

·        Over a half-million Americans have died of AIDS.  Today, it still claims two lives every hour in this country.  We must never forget the contributions of those who have gone before us.  They are the lost heroes of this war. 

·        Every day, 8,500 lives are lost to AIDS, and an additional 13,500 people become infected with HIV.

 THOSE LIVING

·        Currently, there are more people living with HIV/AIDS in North Carolina than ever before, and the number of new cases increases every year – particularly on college campuses.

·        The CDC estimates that around one million people are living with HIV in the USA, including those not yet diagnosed, and including those who have already progressed to AIDS. As of 2006, more than 30,000 North Carolinians were estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS.

·        Access to care continues to be problematic for many living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, particularly outside major urban epicenters of the epidemic.  As HIV disease continues to spread, lack of adequate health care and treatment compounds the problem, especially in communities of color and non-urban areas. 

·       In 2005 alone, AIDS claimed an estimated 2.4–3.3 million lives, of which more than 570,000 were children. A third of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, retarding economic growth and destroying human capital. Treatments that have slowed the course of the epidemic in the developed world are still unaffordable for almost all people in Africa despite significant reductions in price. 

·        It’s 26 years since the epidemic began and we still encounter stigma, discrimination, and hatred.  Compassionate and non-judgmental care must be a priority.

 THOSE WE MUST PROTECT

·        Until a cure of AIDS is found, the only real “magic bullet” is prevention. Our only cure is to prevent HIV infection from happening at all. 

·        Polling data from the Kaiser Family Foundation and independent healthcare advocacy groups show that the majority of Americans believe the government should invest more in HIV prevention, primary and secondary, and in finding a vaccine.  

·        Effective prevention efforts must address issues of self-esteem, stigma, and substance abuse.  Frank and open discussion about sexual behavior, acceptance of different lifestyles, and relevant information and resources to change high risk behaviors must be a part of aggressive prevention campaigns that reach across age, race, and economic groups. 

FACTS ABOUT AAS-C 

·        As of 2005, our average client-to-staff ratio is 96 to 1.

·        Due to rising rates of HIV infection and those in need of service, we see on average 4 new clients per week.

·       41% of our clients are women and 5% currently have children.

·        Based on the Alliance’s FY2005–06 independent audit, our administrative cost vs. program cost is an amazing 11.1%—so, 88.9¢ of every dollar goes directly to benefit those we serve.

·        In addition, we operate two thirds of all family care home beds available to those living with AIDS in the Triangle.

·        Your generosity has allowed us to effectively serve clients who made over 4,738 visits to our Food Pantry last year alone.

29 MILLION LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST TO HIV/AIDS SINCE 1981

 AND REMEMBER, YOU CAN HELP! 

·        Host an Evening with Friends party to bring awareness to the needs of persons impacted by HIV/AIDS.

·        Welcome those who are living with HIV/AIDS into your faith community.

·        Pray for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

·        Offer studies about HIV/AIDS as a part of the educational program of your faith community.

·        Become a table captain for AAS-C’s Circle of Life Campaign.

·        Collect canned and boxed food items for the food pantry serving persons living with HIV/AIDS.

·        Participate in Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS - held annually the first full week of March.

·        Observe World AIDS Day on December 1 and organize faith-related events around it.

·        Recruit friends, family and colleagues to walk with you in AIDSWALK+RIDE on May 5th.

·        Set aside at a day each year as “AIDS Awareness Day”.

·        Host a Community Health Fair with representation from local AIDS organizations to provide accurate prevention education information.

·        Light a candle during worship in memory of persons who have died of HIV/AIDS.

·        Invite children to hear a story about AIDS during the children’s story/worship time.

·        During worship, offer a special prayer for the healing of AIDS – its impact on our family, our community, and throughout the global village.

·        Invite self-identified HIV-positive persons to lead worship, preach, speak, or sing during worship services.

·        Include a discussion on AIDS education in the church school program at every age level.

·        Keep information about HIV/AIDS in your church’s literature rack or information table.

·        Develop an AIDS Care Team to assist persons living with HIV/AIDS with daily tasks and needs.

·        Donate artwork to Works of Heart.

·        Publish AIDS-awareness articles in church bulletins and newsletters on a regular and consistent basis.

·        Have a movie marathon showing educational and entertainment movies relating to HIV/AIDS.

·        Learn the facts about HIV/AIDS.

·        Encourage local media to carry more HIV/AIDS –related items.

·        Work in partnership with a local health care provider to provide on-site confidential HIV testing after worship and encourage members to attend.

·        Play Drag Bingo!

·        Put your talents, gifts, and skills to rewarding work – volunteer to make a difference.

------------

 WHY WE ARE HERE?

The Alliance provides care teams, pastoral care and support, food, emergency financial assistance, benefits advocacy, treatment education, counseling, and referrals.

We remember and thank you for your support.