World AIDS Day, recognized internationally on December 1st, serves as a reminder to end HIV-related stigma, honor those we have lost, and commit to working towards a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.
Here in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana, the Positive Resource Connection is working hard to reduce new cases of HIV/AIDS and provide care and resources to those living with the virus.
On Friday, December 1st our agency hosted a World AIDS Day Open House to commemorate the international day of observance and kick off AIDS Awareness Month.
The event offered guests tours of the agency with information about their many departments and community services, such as HIV testing.
“Getting tested puts the power of your sexual health back in your own hands,” said Charity Storey, Director of Education and Testing. “Our office is a safe space and your test results are completely confidential.”
Other community services include educational programs, street outreach, free protective barriers and info materials, STI testing, and harm reduction counseling.
People living with HIV also receive health and medical services, housing and utility assistance, mental health counseling and support groups, and access to a client food pantry.
Large photo boards of local community members and former clients of the agency decorated the halls during the open house, sharing quotes of each person’s individual experiences living with HIV. They served as powerful reminders of the real people World AIDS Day is remembering and celebrating.
In addition to agency tours, visitors of the World AIDS Day Open House on December 1st were informed about the positive progression of HIV treatment and prevention.
“If adhering to treatment as prescribed, a person is able to achieve an undetectable HIV viral load meaning they’re unable to transmit the virus to anyone else,” stated Jeff Markley, Executive Director. “THIS is one of the ways we will get to the ultimate HIV-free generation”
The Positive Resource Connection’s World AIDS Day Open House was just one of several events and opportunities for community members to learn more and become involved. Ending new cases of HIV/AIDS once and for all is possible if we work together to raise awareness, end stigma and support our community.
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Thanks to your support, we were able to reach THOUSANDS of individuals in 2023 – more specifically, we tested 1,740 people for HIV and Hepatitis C; our Street Outreach program interacted with 3,043 community members; and we conducted 179 outreach and educational programs. Want even more specifics?
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