World Aids Day 2018

 "What is World AIDS Day? World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day. Why is World AIDS Day important? Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. Despite this, each year people are diagnosed with HIV and do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition. World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education." (https://www.worldaidsday.org/about)  Who we are:  The HIV/SYPHILIS TESTING TASKFORCE Since late 2009, the purpose of the Taskforce is to reduce duplication of outreach efforts, increase coordination and collaboration, and to reduce gaps/barriers to linkage, access to care, treatment, EIS, and prevention services. The Taskforce also supports targeted and routine testing efforts, striving to reach unaware and high risk individuals. The Taskforce meets monthly and addresses issues of assessment, data collection, planning, coordination, cooperation, and builds the capacity of those who provide targeted testing activities in the SATGA. It also serves as a conduit for improving referral relationships among a wide range of members. The group began with 14 members and now exceeds 150 individuals representing a variety of entry points, with a monthly working group of approximately 35 members. Members include representatives of Colleges and Universities, ASOs, SAMHSA, Office of Minority Health (OMH), CDC, TDSHS prevention service providers, HRSA and Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) providers, VA, University Health System Department of Community Initiatives and Population Health, the Center for Health Care Services (CHCS), the local mental health authority, RWPA, B, C, and D grantees and respective sub-recipients, PC members, SAPD, Rape Crisis Center, two Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHCs), the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, transitional housing and homeless programs, hospitals, and Metro Health.  Our MISSION: The HIV/Syphilis Testing Task Force is committed to providing a compassionate and comprehensive collaborative response to enhance the prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS / Syphilis in Bexar County Texas and the Ryan White Transition Grant Area in the surrounding area. Advocating in the community for policy decisions and funding appropriations that support efforts to provide testing, prevention, care and treatment services Establishing working relationships across agencies in the HIV/STI prevention and care for the community providing a space for meaningful collaboration Identifying gaps and barriers in testing services and helping local agencies to respond appropriately to the community needs Providing capacity- building and training opportunities for staff members of participating agencies Educating the community to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS/Syphilis stigma and to empower the community through knowledge, understanding, and harm/risk reduction. What the Donations will Go towards: Space for Celebration Supplies and Decorations Snacks Ribbons and Candles for Remembrance and Survivor Celebration Advertisement (NowCast) Gift Cards for Speakers/Presenters/Volunteers